A SUSPENDED RailCorp boss has been accused of using thousands of dollars in kickbacks to fund his international scuba trips.

Project supervisor Ivan Stanic has denied receiving bribes worth tens of thousands of dollars for directing work to four different businesses.

But a corruption inqiory at the Independent Commission Against Corruption was today told that Ivan Stanic received secret commissions of cash and cheques from painting and fencing companies as part of contracts worth up to $2 million.

Two contractors, Nick Kouraos, director of Anev Painting and Decorating and Paul Szoboszlay, director of Wire and Steels Industries, told the commission they paid Mr Stanic thousands of dollars to ensure a steady flow of work.

Mr Stanic agreed to falsely inflate invoices and split the profits.

Counsel Assisting the inquiry, Chris Ronalds SC, said Mr Stanic allocated almost $2 million worth of work to contractors and received between five per cent and 10 per cent of the value of the contracts while living the high life.

“Interestingly, Mr Stanic travels frequently to satisfy his interest in scuba diving,” Ms Ronalds told the commission. She said he had taken so many trips that a dive company had awarded him the title of “Most Travelled Diver” between 2002 and 2005.

“His receipt of corrupt payments no doubt enhance his capacity to visit many different locations for diving excursions,” she said.

Mr Stanic has denied the allegations.