New raid on controversial
building contractor
Police swept down on the offices of building contractor Harald Langemyhr on Friday, arresting four of his employees and charging the company with massive fraud against the city of Oslo. Langemyhr was also recently accused of badly exploiting Polish construction workers.
 Building contractor Harald Langemyhr has incurred the wrath of his workers and public officials, for allegedly enriching himself at their expense. PHOTO: Foto: SVEIN ERIK FURULUND |
| Related stories: |
| Building boss denies he exploited workers - 12.03.2008 |
| Exploited Polish workers hope for better employer - 09.03.2008 |
Langemyhr himself wasn't at his office in Tønsberg when police arrived. A warrant is out for arrest, and he faces the same charges as his other workers.
They're suspected of over-billing the city of Oslo for as much as NOK 28 million (USD 5.6 million) in connection with construction jobs they had secured.
They're charged with defrauding the city of NOK 17.6 million through overbilling and attempting to defraud the city for another NOK 10 million for work on a nursing home project in Oslo, according to prosecutor Frank Jensen.
Such serious fraud is punishable with up to nine years in prison. The four who were taken into custody are both Norwegian and foreign citizens.
Earlier this year, police and labour authorities raided Langemyhr's building sites, including construction of the Økern Nursing Home in Oslo. Not only did the authorities uncover numerous violations of labour regulations, including poor working conditions and underpayment of foreign workers, but also indications of over-billing.
"When the labour authorities found unworthy working conditions and social dumping, it was natural that we investigate the project's economy," said city official Merete Agerbak-Jensen, adding that the city already had concerns before the building site was raided.
Langemyhr was said to be on holiday abroad and unaware of the charges against him. A spokesman for Langemyhr said police know where he is, though, and that Langemyhr would cooperate with the authorities.
Nina Berglund/NTB
No comments:
Post a Comment