West Portland MP Daryl Vaz has released a statement vowing to defend allegations that he has committed a breach of the Corruption Prevention Act.

In the statement Vaz said he was formally advised of the charge this morning.

READ: Vaz, Forbes and Bicknell to face the court tomorrow

He also said it stemmed from an incident involving a close personal friend.

See full statement below:

I was  today formally advised that arising from an investigation into a traffic violation involving my close personal friend, the DPP Office has ruled  that I be charged under  section 14 -2 of the Corruption Prevention Act which states:  A person commits an act of corruption if he offers or grants, directly or indirectly, to a public servant any article, money or other benefit, being a gift, favour, promise of advantage to the public servant or another person, for doing any act or omitting to do any act in the performance of the public servant’s public function.
 
I categorically deny doing any of the above and will be vigorously contesting this charge through my attorney Mr. George Soutar QC.  My involvement in this matter is of a personal nature and as such I would never compromise myself or any public officer.
 
My enquiries into this matter concerning my close friend were made out of concern and done openly and with no ill intent.
 
DARYL VAZ MP