Bribery claims hit Cardno MD

CARDNO is grappling with another bribery allegation crisis, after the Brisbane-based engineering firm’s new chief executive officer was named in a federal police probe.

Andy Goodwin was former managing director of SMEC Holdings and started at Cardno last month.

The Australian Federal Police yesterday confirmed they are investigating allegations of “foreign bribery and related dishonesty matters” relating “to current and former high office holders of SMEC Holdings”. Mr Goodwin’s lawyer, Howard Rapke of Holding Redlich, said his client maintained he had always acted appropriately. “We will respond as appropriate to any steps the AFP take,” Mr Rapke said.

Fairfax Media said two search warrants were executed against SMEC in February. Both allegedly named several people including Mr Goodwin.