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Alleged Transport Ministry fraudster arrested at airport

Joanne Harrison allegedly defrauded the government organisation of $726,000.

Staff Reporter
Mon, 08 Aug 2016

A Transport Ministry executive who allegedly defrauded the government organisation of $726,000 has been arrested after returning to New Zealand, the Serious Fraud Office says.

Joanne Harrison was arrested at Auckland International Airport on Friday and appeared in the Manukau District Court that same day, charged with three charges of dishonestly taking or using a document.

The 50-year old was employed as a general manager at the ministry from April 2011 until she left this year.

“Following questions raised by the Ministry’s management team, an internal investigation found that suspicious payments had been made to various entities and the matter was referred to the SFO,” the SFO says in a statement.

Ms Harrison did not enter a plea and will next appear at the Manukau District Court on August 16, the watchdog says.

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Staff Reporter
Mon, 08 Aug 2016
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Alleged Transport Ministry fraudster arrested at airport
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