A former executive of a major New Zealand dairy company has been charged after allegedly receiving more than $270,000 in financial kickbacks.
Simon Stewart, the former group market manager of Open Country Dairy Limited, appeared in the Manukau District Court on one representative charge.
The charge, brought by the Serious Fraud Office, comes after the results of an internal investigation by the company — owned by the Talley’s Food Group — were handed to authorities.
“The SFO would like to thank OCD for their cooperation and assistance.”
Stewart is accused of providing information, including “sensitive” price information, and assistance to an Open Country Dairy customer based in Indonesia — PT. Anta Tirta Kirana (Anta Tirta).
He allegedly received undisclosed payments in return.
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The SFO said that between April 1, 2019, and October 10, 2023, Steward received 27 payments from Anta Tirta for the information and assistance he provided.
The individual payments were between $6,980.00 and $22,767.08, totalling $276,668.92.
Open Country Dairy is New Zealand’s second largest milk processor, and the world’s largest exporter of whole milk powder.
“Corporate and commercial fraud that undermines New Zealand’s significant trade-related industries poses a serious risk to our economic growth and productivity,” SFO Director Karen Chang said.
“Tackling this type of offending is a strategic area of focus for the SFO, and we are committed to protecting the integrity of New Zealand’s markets and supporting our reputation as a trusted place to do business.”
Steward was scheduled to next appear in the Manukau District Court on October 7.
