Investigation Report 02/2008

Operation Avon was an investigation by ACLEI into allegations that Australian Border Force officers were engaging in corrupt conduct by assisting a criminal syndicate to import drugs into Australia. The investigation did not substantiate the allegations and as such, no corruption findings were made by the Integrity Commissioner.

It was found that a Home Affairs employee misused their Commonwealth credit card by making 59 personal purchases totalling $1,578. The staff member pleaded guilty and was sentenced by the court. Given the circumstances, no corruption finding was made.

A corruption finding was made that a locally engaged employee at the Australian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa engaged in corrupt conduct by improperly granting Australian visa applications in exchange for money.