1 month ago
14
The identities of three men charged following an investigation into secret payments involving medical devices in Queensland’s public hospitals can be revealed as the trio faced court for the first time.
Richard William Laherty, Dihan Taranga Aponso and Elliott Charles Lacaze appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday over allegations of a kickback scheme.
Elliott Charles Lacaze outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.Credit: Cloe Read
In December, the Crime and Corruption Commission said representatives of a medical device company made secret payments to public officers in return for the use of the devices in public hospitals.
The public officers also allegedly failed to declare to Queensland Health conflicts of interest concerning the payments and their involvement in the company.
Richard William Laherty declined to comment outside court. Credit: Cloe Read
Laherty is charged with corruption, misconduct in relation to public office, and offences relating to misleading financial documents.
Dihan Taranga Aponso outside court on Thursday. Credit: Cloe Read
Aponso is charged with corruption and misconduct in public office.
Lacaze’s charges include attempted fraud, dishonestly gaining benefit or an advantage by director or office of a corporation at a value of at least $100,000, and giving benefit to a public officer.
Online profiles for Laherty list him as a neurosurgeon and spine surgeon, working across Queensland Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery (QNS), Greenslopes Private Hospital and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside. He also worked as a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland.
Loading
Profiles for Aponso, a spine surgeon, list him as working in spinal disorders. In 2020, Brisbane Private Hospital described him as a groundbreaking spine surgeon with a passion for innovation.
A fourth person is expected to appear in court on January 28, while an arrest warrant has been issued for a fifth.
Laherty, Aponso and Lacaze’s cases will return to court on February 16.
Most Viewed in National
Loading
