Asset freeze as Otago DHB looks to recoup losses from $16m deals

The Otago District Health Board is going to court in a bid to recover up to $16 million it spent on information technology deals now subject to Serious Fraud Office (SFO) inquiries.

Michael Swann, the DHB's former chief information officer, was sacked for "gross mismanagement" after earlier being suspended on full pay.

This week the DHB lodged a civil claim in the High Court seeking damages, the Otago Daily Times reported today.

The claim names Swann and 19 other defendants and lawyers, trustees, company directors and companies.

The DHB wants a trial to assess the damages it allegedly suffered through $16 million worth of IT deals in which Swann was involved.

It already has a High Court asset protection order to stop sales of Swann's assets, or assets in which he may have some interest.

The Otago Daily Times reported the asset protection order protected a range of property, vehicles and boats, including a 50m luxury ship part-owned by Swann from being sold.

- NZPA