National

WA physio denies public corruption charges

By AAP Newswire

Feb 28, 2022

Perth courts signage (file image) — A physiotherapist has pleaded not guilty to more than 500 charges over a $27m public funds rort. -AAP Image

A West Australian physiotherapist accused of participating in the theft of $27 million in public funds has pleaded not guilty to his charges.

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Prosecutors allege Jacob Anthonisz, 45, conspired with disgraced bureaucrat Paul Whyte to siphon the money from public sector agencies using false invoices.

Whyte is serving a 12-year prison sentence after he admitted masterminding what local authorities have described as Australia's biggest corruption by a public servant.

In Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, Anthonisz pleaded not guilty to 530 charges of acting corruptly as a public officer and three property laundering charges.

He was granted continued bail and ordered to face the WA Supreme Court on May 9.

Prosecutors have alleged Anthonisz submitted false invoices to the Department of CommunitiesÂ which were personally approved by Whyte.

It's alleged the money was spent on racehorses, paying a horse stud service in New Zealand, and personal expenses and bills.

Two other men accused of participating in the rort are yet to enter pleas. They are scheduled to return to court next month.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press