Media Releases
Relative of former senior education official convicted today following IBAC's 'banker school' investigation
The relative of a former senior education department official has been convicted in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court and placed on a community correction order following a major investigation by Victoria’s independent anti-corruption commission, IBAC.
Daniel Calleja pleaded guilty to the charges of obtaining property by deception, knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and attempting to pervert the course of public justice contrary to common law.
Mr Calleja was one of six people charged with a range of criminal offences as a result of IBAC's Operation Ord, an investigation into allegations of corrupt conduct by senior officers of the Department of Education and Training (DET), in connection with the use of 'banker schools' and related activities.
Operation Ord examined the conduct of then senior officers of DET and others, in connection with the use of 'banker schools' and related activities.
IBAC's investigation focused on allegations that senior departmental officers misappropriated funds from the Department's budget, through false and inflated invoicing as well as arranging payment of inappropriate expenses such as excessive hospitality, travel and personal items.
As part of Operation Ord, IBAC held public hearings between April and June 2015, and tabled a special report to Parliament in April 2016.
The next committal hearings for Operation Ord are scheduled for 10 November 2017 at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
IBAC made a range of recommendations to DET to improve its systems and practices to prevent corruption. DET's first progress report on its implementation of these recommendations is available on the IBAC website.
Media contact: media@ibac.vic.gov.au or 0427 480 840
