Murdoch University Manager Sentenced to Prison for Strategic and Corrupt Conduct
A Murdoch University manager has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for engaging in corrupt conduct. Dario Pacifici misused his position as facilities manager to illicitly funnel over $1 million to a company linked to his wife and a close friend.
Dario Pacifici’s Role at Murdoch University
Pacifici began his role at Murdoch University in March 2021. However, he was dismissed 18 months later after an investigation revealed unethical practices surrounding contract allocations. He directed university staff to work with BM OnDemand Pty Ltd, a company in which he had undisclosed interests.
Corruption Uncovered
The inquiry by the Corruption and Crime Commission highlighted serious misconduct. The investigation revealed that BM OnDemand Pty Ltd received $1.06 million for various projects on the university campus.
Key Players Involved
- Dario Pacifici: Facilities manager at Murdoch University.
- Joshna Shrestha: Pacifici’s then-fiancé and current wife, listed as a director of BM OnDemand.
- Friend: A high school friend of Pacifici who was also a director of the company.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Pacifici was arrested and charged with corrupt conduct as a public officer. During the court proceedings in the District Court of Western Australia, Judge Charlotte Wallace criticized his actions. She noted that Pacifici’s motivations were rooted in greed, stating, “This was deliberate, strategic, persistent, corrupt behaviour.”
Bypassing the Tender Process
It was revealed in court that Pacifici had circumvented the university’s tender process for contract awards. He justified his actions by claiming it was to secure the most reliable contractor, although this justification did not hold up under scrutiny.
This case serves as a significant example of corruption within public institutions and highlights the importance of ethical conduct in managing public resources.
