Operation Ember public notice

Tuesday 30 April 2019

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating allegations concerning two Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) employees and how they exercised their official functions when awarding contracts.

The allegations include whether, between July 2015 and February 2019, RMS employees Samer Soliman and Jainesh Singh have partially and dishonestly exercised their official functions in relation to the awarding of contracts to Novation Engineering Pty Ltd and AZH Consulting Pty Ltd.

The contract work has included scoping studies, field trials and the supply of equipment and parts. Two contracts awarded to Novation Engineering Pty Ltd in 2018 for the replacement of RMS’ portable weigh scale assets totalled over $9 million in value. It is alleged that Mr Soliman received a financial benefit for his role in helping to secure the work awarded to both companies.

The general scope and purpose of this public inquiry is to gather evidence relevant to the allegations being investigated for the purpose of determining the matters referred to in section 13(2) of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988.

As part of its investigation, the ICAC will hold a public inquiry starting at 10:00 am on Monday 20 May 2019 at Level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. The Commission may live stream the proceedings in this inquiry via the ICAC website.

Persons claiming to be substantially and directly interested in this matter may seek leave to be represented at the inquiry, and are invited to contact Ms Philippa Hook on (02) 8281-5999 to advise of their interest.

Members of the public with information relevant to the investigation are encouraged to provide it in writing at GPO Box 500, Sydney, NSW 2001, or by facsimile (02) 9264-5364. The ICAC will treat all information confidentially and has legislative powers to protect people who provide information to the Commission.

Roy Waldon

Solicitor to the Commission