Former Red Light Camera Executive Exposes Ongoing Bribery Scheme by Redflex
The Australian photo enforcement firm, Redflex, has been involved in a widespread and ongoing bribery scheme in ten states, according to the company’s former executive vice president, Aaron M. Rosenberg. Local officials in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Washington allegedly received gifts and other financial incentives to encourage them to do business with Redflex.
Attempt to Pin Blame on Former Executive Backfires
Redflex filed a lawsuit against Rosenberg in February of last year, accusing him of misappropriating funds and attempting to blame him for bribery charges. In response, Rosenberg provided documents that could implicate other current company employees. Redflex fired several high-ranking officers in a damage control effort, but Rosenberg claims that the bribery scheme was institutionalized and that top executives and board members were aware of it.
Emails Reveal Evidence of Bribery
Rosenberg provided copies of emails to the court to support his allegations of bribery. One email shows that Redflex gave $5,000 to the Arizona State Democratic Executive committee, which was recorded as official work expenses. Another email reveals that Redflex put up the police chief of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in exchange for his favorable testimony at a court trial two years ago. In 2006, Redflex also paid for a $3,235 dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse to encourage Florida officials to sign up for red light cameras.
Chicago Tribune Exposes Bribery Scheme
The bribery scheme was first exposed by the Chicago Tribune, which also reported on Rosenberg’s countersuit. The evidence presented by Rosenberg could have serious implications for other Redflex employees, including current and former executives and board members. The case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government contracts and raises questions about the ethical practices of companies that do business with the public sector.