A former BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) executive has pleaded guilty to inciting colleagues to give false evidence to a cartel enquiry.
Jason Ellis was the general manager of sales and marketing at BlueScope when he instructed two other employees to give false evidence to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The watchdog was investigating alleged cartel behaviour at BlueScope, and Ellis’ incitement related to conversations he and the colleagues had with other steel companies.
According to ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, the conviction was unprecedented.
“This is the first time an individual has been charged with inciting the obstruction of a Commonwealth public official in relation to an ACCC investigation,” he said.
The Motley Fool has contacted BlueScope Steel for comment.
Ellis will be sentenced at a local court hearing on 8 December.
ACCC’s separate civil case against Ellis and BlueScope remains in the Federal Court.
In that case, the competition watchdog alleges BlueScope and Ellis attempted to put in a price fixing regime with multiple steel distributors.
The BlueScope share price was down 2.44% as at 12:50pm AEST, to fall to $12.38. It was as high as $18.83 back in July 2018.
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Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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