ICAC refers ex-TAFE manager to DPP

A former Sydney TAFE manager could face criminal charges after the corruption watchdog found he swindled $1.7 million and made false statements to ICAC.

Ronald Cordoba engaged in "seriously corrupt conduct" while he was an acting IT manager at TAFE's South West Sydney Institute (SWSI) between January and July 2014, ICAC found in a report released on Friday.

It has referred his case to the DPP with recommendations that Mr Cordoba be charged with fraud offences and wilfully making false statements to an ICAC officer and during a hearing.

The watchdog found Mr Cordoba obtained more than $1.7 million from SWSI by authorising and supplying false purchase orders and invoices, with payment going to his own business.

He deliberately concealed his ownership of his business, ITD Systems, and used a fake name and title while communicating with the SWSI over its purchase of products from his business, according to the findings.

He then used the company name and Australian Business Number of ITD Pty Ltd, a company registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, but with which he had no connection.

"This included ... falsely certifying that goods had been received by the SWSI while knowing that this was untrue," the watchdog said.