The charges relate to alleged bribes paid to public officials in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam between the dates of 1999-2005 in order to secure banknote contracts. It is Australia’s first prosecution under foreign bribery legislation introduced on 17 December 1999.

The AFP will allege that during the period 1999-2005, senior managers from Securency and NPA utilised international sales agents to bribe foreign public officials in order to secure banknote contracts.

It will also be alleged that foreign officials in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam received bribes to secure contracts for NPA and Securency.

The men charged in Australia – all from Victoria – include a 55-year-old from Mont Albert; a 66-year-old from Mount Martha; a 50-year-old from Moonee Ponds; a 61-year-old from Beaumaris; a 62-year-old from Somerville; and a 64 year-old man from Yanakie. They will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.

The charges against the individuals carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $1.1m, while the charges against Securency and NPA carry a maximum fine of $330,000 per offence.

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