After a nine-month investigation the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has closed its investigation into Kidicorp finding that there was insufficient evidence to lay any criminal charges. 

It has been a stressful time for the staff interviewed by the SFO and has led to considerable cost to Kidicorp who paid for an independent audit to be done.

"We are very pleased that this is behind us," says Kidicorp MD Wayne Wright.
 
"We never thought we had done anything wrong. An employee who stole from us threatened to go to the SFO if we handed the file to the Police to prosecute. We weren’t intimidated and were later told she did go to the SFO. We were confident we had nothing to hide".
 
An NZPA report states that "SFO chief executive Adam Feeley said investigators had analysed many documents and electronic exhibits and had carried out interviews with Kidicorp staff."

Matters of legitimate concern identified by the SFO were said to be largely administrative concerns which the Ministry of Education needed to address.

Kidicorp hired Price Waterhouse Coopers to  do an investigation into their processes and as a result of this Wayne Wright says they are satisfied they have good processes.

"We also put in place a program for staff to report any wrong-doing or inappropriate behaviour".
 
Kidicorp MD Wayne Wright says "it was upsetting to be accused but we are delighted that it is behind us".