Police are reinvestigating serious allegations of corruption at West Dunbartonshire Council after being handed new information, the Lennox Herald can exclusively reveal.
Officers confirmed they are assessing additional detail having concluded their initial inquiry last year after which they gave advice to the council.
Their investigation follows claims by a whistleblower that three senior officers were wined and dined in return for lucrative contracts with the local authority, alleged to total more than £9million.
An internal council inquiry found “no basis” for action and watchdog Audit Scotland are due to report their findings this month.
It is understood new information was passed to Police Scotland earlier this month.
A spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland has been passed information which is currently being assessed.”
Officers previously made enquiries into the claims and found no criminality.
Councillor Jim Bollan, who has been leading a quest for answers, welcomed the development.
He said: “I will be meeting the police this week and welcome the fact they will be assessing the additional information they have been provided with regarding the fraud and corruption allegations.
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“These can’t be allowed to be swept under the carpet and these officers must be properly held to account, which to date the council has failed to do.”
One allegation involves an officer being treated by a company boss to a luxury golfing day at Cameron House to the tune of £650.
The whistleblower claimed the senior officers enjoyed lavish meals at plush restaurants across Glasgow, all paid for by the director of a private construction firm, who went on to win big-money deals with West Dunbartonshire Council.
It is alleged that the arrangement went on for several years up to 2016.
The council’s own investigation ruled the officers were not at fault of failing to declare hospitality as they claimed they paid their way.
But the probe uncovered a catalogue of failings — including work being awarded without formal contracts and personal interests not being declared.
SNP council leader Jonathan McColl said: “The chief executive asked Audit Scotland to look at the internal audit investigation and provide reassurance and any further action points they think would be helpful.
“I supported the chief executive in making this decision and was pleased that council unanimously confirmed its support for backing Councillor Bollan’s motion.
“It’s helpful that we have this extra level of scrutiny in this case and it is important that there is cross party support for the process.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie welcomed the scrutiny, saying: “It is right that the fraud allegations at the council are being investigated by Police Scotland and Audit Scotland.
“I hope the investigations will provide answers and ensure that the issue is fully dealt with.”
