Key Takeaways
- Alana Jane Clayton, a former chief financial officer of Corporate Travel Management, has been accused of fraudulently taking more than $2 million in an alleged kickback scheme involving Brisbane surgeons.
- The alleged scheme involved secret payments to two Brisbane surgeons, Dr Richard William Laherty and Dr Dihan Taranga Aponso, who performed operations at Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
- Clayton is facing two counts of fraud and official corruption of a public service employee between 2016 and 2019.
- The alleged scheme also involved Elliott Charles Lacaze, the director of MediVance, who is accused of dishonestly gaining business for himself and two other people to the value of more than $2.7 million.
Introduction to the Alleged Scheme
The former chief financial officer of a travel agency, Alana Jane Clayton, has been accused of fraudulently taking more than $2 million in an alleged kickback scheme involving Brisbane surgeons. Clayton, who was the Australia and New Zealand chief financial officer of Corporate Travel Management, appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday. According to prosecutors, she gave secret payments to two Brisbane surgeons, Dr Richard William Laherty and Dr Dihan Taranga Aponso, who performed operations at Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
The Alleged Scheme and Its Players
The alleged scheme involved Clayton, Laherty, Aponso, and Elliott Charles Lacaze, the director of MediVance. Laherty, a neurosurgeon, allegedly received money from MediVance in return for using its surgical devices in his operations. Aponso, a spinal surgeon, also allegedly received money from MediVance in return for using its devices while performing operations between 2017 and 2022. Lacaze is accused of dishonestly gaining business for himself and two other people to the value of more than $2.7 million. The alleged scheme was uncovered by the Crime and Corruption Commission, which investigated how medical devices were used at the major hospitals.
The Charges Against Clayton
Clayton is facing two counts of fraud and official corruption of a public service employee between 2016 and 2019. According to court documents, her fraud charges relate to allegations she dishonestly gained money for herself, Lacaze, and another person, to the value of $1,674,971 between 2017 and 2019. In a separate allegation, she also dishonestly gained money for herself, Lacaze, and the other person, totalling $661,081 between 2016 and 2019. Her case was adjourned to February 16 to align with a hearing for surgeons Laherty and Aponso, and MediVance director Lacaze.
The Investigation and Its Outcome
The investigation into the alleged scheme was conducted by the Crime and Corruption Commission, which revealed that Clayton, Laherty, Aponso, and Lacaze were involved in the scheme. The commission’s investigation led to the charging of the four individuals, with Clayton being the latest to be charged. The outcome of the investigation and the charges against the individuals will be determined in court. The case is set to be heard on February 16, and it is expected to shed more light on the alleged scheme and its players.
The Impact of the Alleged Scheme
The alleged scheme has raised concerns about the integrity of the healthcare system and the use of medical devices in hospitals. The scheme, if proven, would be a serious breach of trust and would undermine the confidence of patients in the healthcare system. The alleged scheme also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector. The case is a reminder that corruption and fraud can occur in any sector, and it is essential to have robust systems in place to detect and prevent such activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the alleged kickback scheme involving Brisbane surgeons and the former chief financial officer of Corporate Travel Management is a serious matter that has raised concerns about the integrity of the healthcare system. The case is set to be heard in court, and it is expected to shed more light on the alleged scheme and its players. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, and it is hoped that it will lead to greater transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector.