""The evidence that the defendants acted dishonestly over the course of the procurement process is overwhelming," Superior Court Justice Peter Bawden said in his ruling. The judge said insider information that Georgiou provided to Aquino via secret emails was "confidential, highly material and obviously intended to assist Bondfield to win the procurement. That conduct would be recognized as objectively dishonest in any circumstances, but when seen in the context of a strictly regulated public procurement, it is unmistakable.""
""Public confidence in the responsible use of public funds for infrastructure projects depends on a procurement process that is genuinely competitive.... The defendants' dishonest conduct compromised this objective," he ruled. "Their actions demonstrate that even a well-regulated process may be susceptible to corruption at senior levels. This undermines trust in public procurement and may discourage qualified bidders from participating in future projects, thereby weakening competition and damaging the integrity of the market.""
Two senior officials were found guilty on two counts each of fraud over $5,000 related to the $300-million expansion procurement. Insider emails conveyed confidential, highly material information intended to assist Bondfield Construction in winning the contract. That conduct was characterized as objectively dishonest and inconsistent with the standards of regulated public procurement. The tendering process for public works was placed at risk and public confidence in responsible use of infrastructure funds was undermined. The misconduct may discourage qualified bidders, weaken competition, and damage the integrity of the market for future public projects.
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