UNIVERSITY BRIBERY PROBE LATEST
THE regional crime unit for south Wales has confirmed that a series of addresses searched in a continuing investigation into alleged bribery offences are linked to an inquiry into the controversial Wellness and Life Science Village project.
Regional organised crime unit, Tarian, searched eight addresses in Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Kent on Wednesday. It followed a complaint from Swansea University.
In a new statement issued yesterday, a spokesperson for Tarian said the investigation centres around a tendering process carried out for the wellness village project, planned for Llanelli.
Last year Carmarthenshire council launched a procurement process to find a development partner to help build the £200m project, also known as Delta Lakes, which was seeking £40m in backing from the City Deal for the Swansea Bay City Region.
Sterling Health Security Holdings was appointed as the project’s development partner, after coming through a EU tendering process in which it was the only bidder.
Previously, Carmarthenshire council had had a 10-month exclusivity deal with a company called Kent Neurosciences
to develop the business case for the project.
Carmarthenshire council ended its partnership with Sterling in December last year.
Swansea University also ended its involvement in the project following senior suspensions, which last week resulted in the sackings of its vicechancellor Richard B Davies and Prof Clement last week.
In a statement Tarian said it was continuing to investigate alleged bribery offences following a complaint by Swansea University.
It added: “The investigation centres around a tendering process carried out in respect of the Llanelli Wellbeing and Life Sciences Village.
“Tarian executed a series of warrants yesterday morning, with the assistance of colleagues from South Wales, DyfedPowys and Kent police forces.
“A number of documents and electronic equipment have been seized, which will now be subject to extensive examination.
“No arrests have been made, and the complex investigation remains ongoing.”