Southwark Crown Court has convicted Arben Hysa of Tony Demolition Workers for orchestrating a bribery scheme involving three former managers at Keltbray, centred around demolition labour contracts valued at £15 million. Reports Contract Journal
Between 2012 and 2018, Hysa paid more than £600,000 in bribes to Michael McCarthy, Simon Lacey, and John Burke—then-managers at Keltbray. All three were found guilty of accepting illicit payments, which constituted a serious breach of their duty of trust and loyalty to their employer.
Hysa, McCarthy, and Burke were each sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Lacey received a two-year custodial sentence. The case followed a detailed Home Office investigation into labour contracts between Keltbray and Tony Demolition Workers Ltd, a London-based firm.
Andrew Cant of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated:
“Corruption in the construction industry distorts fair competition and undermines the integrity of the UK marketplace. McCarthy, Lacey, and Burke blatantly disregarded their responsibilities to Keltbray by accepting substantial sums from Arben Hysa in return for favourable contract decisions.
The CPS will now begin confiscation proceedings to recover the criminal proceeds gained by the defendants.”
In response to the sentencing, Keltbray issued a statement saying:
“Keltbray welcomes the clear and decisive outcome delivered by the Crown Court, which sends a powerful message about responsibility and justice in the construction sector.
We were the direct victims of these individuals’ egregious breaches of trust during their time with us from 2012 to 2018. Their actions were a flagrant violation of their professional obligations.
Keltbray supported the authorities throughout the investigation and judicial process, and we believe the sentences handed down are entirely appropriate given the seriousness of the offences. We thank the CPS for pursuing justice in this matter.”
“This verdict upholds the principles enshrined in Keltbray’s Code of Conduct and demonstrates the critical importance of our zero-tolerance approach, including the immediate dismissal of those involved at the time. Now that justice has been served, we are resolute in continuing our commitment to promoting the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism across every part of our organisation.”
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