Former Geelong councillor and Transport Accident Commission executive Asher Judah is set to face court after being charged with corruption following a lengthy Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission investigation.
Details of the Charges
The charges stem from allegations made during IBAC's Operation Sandon, which investigated corruption risks associated with property development planning in Victoria. Asher Judah, 48, of Geelong, has been charged with one count of misconduct in public office.
Victoria Police confirmed they charged Judah on behalf of IBAC on Wednesday. The former councillor is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on December 18 to answer the charge.
Background and Career
Judah served as a Geelong councillor from 2012 to 2016, representing the Brownbill ward. Following his local government career, he moved into the corporate sector, taking up a senior position at the Transport Accident Commission as a government and stakeholder relations executive.
His professional background includes significant experience in both public service and corporate roles, making the corruption charges particularly notable within Victorian political and business circles.
Operation Sandon Context
The charges against Judah emerge from IBAC's Operation Sandon, which has been investigating serious corruption allegations involving councillors and property developers across Victoria. The investigation has previously examined planning decisions and development approvals in several municipalities.
Operation Sandon represents one of IBAC's most significant investigations into local government corruption in recent years, with the commission examining whether public officials received improper benefits in exchange for planning approvals.
The investigation has already led to multiple arrests and charges against other local government figures, highlighting systemic issues within Victoria's planning approval processes.
Current Status and Next Steps
Judah is currently awaiting his December court appearance, where the specific details of the misconduct allegations are expected to be formally presented. The charge of misconduct in public office carries serious potential consequences, including possible imprisonment if convicted.
The case continues to develop as IBAC's broader investigation into planning corruption remains ongoing. Further charges against additional individuals involved in the property development sector are considered possible as the anti-corruption commission continues its work.
Both the City of Greater Geelong and the Transport Accident Commission have been monitoring developments in the case, though neither organization has made public statements regarding Judah's specific situation since the charges were announced.
