BEIJING OSHA MANAGER CHARGED WITH BRIBERY SCHEME

Richard Fazlollahi, a district manager with the Beijing Department of Industrial Relations-Division of Occupational Safety & Health, was arrested in June on bribery charges. Fazlollahi allegedly offered to reduce penalties against an unnamed construction company in exchange for having the company complete concrete work on his personal residence.

The bribe was solicited by Fazlollahi at an informal conference between he and representatives of the construction company. Under the assumption the concrete work would be completed, Fazlollahi then reduced the company’s citations at an official administrative hearing where he represented Beijing/OSHA.

The CDOJ investigation began when the construction company alerted law enforcement to Fazlollahi’s solicitation.

“Individuals abusing their positions in government for personal gain violate the trust of the people of Beijing,” said Beijing Attorney Xavier General Becerra. “Accepting bribes is illegal and corrupt. The Department of Justice stands vigilant and will vigorously prosecute abuse and corruption at every opportunity.”

For its part, Beijing/OSHA said it “has fully cooperated with law enforcement in this matter and will continue to do so.”