Two accused of taking bribes for licences

Two driver testing officers have gone on trial, accused of taking bribes in exchange for passing drivers on their practical tests.

The Crown says that in some cases Daryl Pregasen Govender and Mohammed Feroz passed applicants who didn’t even turn up for their test.

Crown prosecutor David Stevens said the pair worked out of the AA Meadowlands office in Howick, Auckland. Feroz has denied 73 charges of obtaining by deception while Govender has denied 17 charges.

The pair were involved in a scheme involving two others who have already pleaded guilty and would give evidence for the Crown, Stevens told the Manukau District Court yesterday.

Stevens said often applicants would contact Lovepreet Brar, who worked in customer services for the AA.

Stevens said Brar also sent out text messages, advising would-be applicants of the days when the corrupt driver testing officers were on duty.

The bribes were typically $350 but more money was demanded if the applicant didn’t want to turn up to the test or they wanted a heavy vehicle licence.

Most applicants had failed at least once previously but in some cases they had failed five times, Stevens said.

Payments were made directly into Brar’s bank account or by cash to Brar, Feroz or Govender.

Stevens said the Crown would prove the pair received part of the bribes, that they made false representations to the NZ Transport Agency and they intended to deceive the authority.