Australian Government left with millions of unusable COVID masks from suspicious retailer

·

The Australian Government has been left with almost 46 million unusable face masks after they handed COVID-19 contracts to a suspicious online retailer, who sourced equipment via companies registered in the low-tax jurisdiction of Cyprus.

According to The Guardian, $100 million in contracts were handed Australian Business Mobiles NSW (ABM), a small company who was in charge of subcontracting the supply of the PPE from two companies registered in Cyprus in April and June 2020.

The Cyprus-registered companies, Neumer Trading and Neumer Holdings, named after twins Ricky and Evan Neuman, made about $40 million on the deal, The Guardian reported.

Later in July, questions were raised by the Australian Taxation Office in regard to the government’s arrangement with the two companies.

The two Cyprus-based companies websites are now non-existent.

ABM was paid to source 50 million masks and 4 million isolation gowns however, almost 46 million masks were found to be unusable as five out of seven of the manufacturers who supplied the masks did not meet quality regulations.

In March last year, warnings were also issued for these masks to not be used in hospitals or other healthcare settings.

A spokesperson for Ricky Neumann said the companies had “always complied with our obligations and deny any wrongdoing.”

Source: The Guardian.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia commemorated Greek Independence Day with joyous festivities on Sunday, 30 March.

From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a neglected alleyway.

Burwood Council celebrates Greek National Day with local community

On Wednesday, March 26, Burwood Council hosted its annual Greek National Day celebrations, marking the 1821 start of Greece's Revolution.

Canberra remembers Greece’s fight for freedom with wreath laying and cultural display

On Sunday, Canberra’s Greek community came together to celebrate one of the biggest celebrations in Greek history, Independence Day.

You May Also Like

Sunday of Orthodoxy: What do we celebrate on the first Sunday of Great Lent?

The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent. Since 843, the theme of this religious day focuses on 'the victory' of the icons.

Kytherian youth to be celebrated at annual Aroney Dinner Dance this weekend

The Kytherian Association of Australia's (KAA) annual Aroney Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, April 1 at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah.

Tony Popovic sacked by Xanthi FC

Tony Popovic's time with Greek Super League 2 club Xanthi FC is already over, with the two parting ways just nine games into the...