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Singer Paulini facing jail time after caught up in corruption sting

Singer Paulini Curuenavuli could face up to seven years in jail after she was allegedly caught bribing a government official in order to receive a fake driver's licence.

The former Australian Idol star was allegedly caught after police began an investigation into an allegedly corrupt Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) employee in relation to potential bikie links.

Police allege Paulini paid the RMS employee $800 to receive a fake, unrestricted NSW driver's licence despite not being qualified to get behind the wheel.

The singer has allegedly been caught purchasing a fake driver's license. Source: AAP
The singer has allegedly been caught purchasing a fake driver's license. Source: AAP

The issue unfolded last July when CCTV caught the 34-year-old walking into a Mt Duritt RMS and allegedly seeking out a 27-year-old staff member.

Police allege it was there that the singer forged some documents and then received a licence before putting $800 into the staff member's bank account.

However, the employee was already being investigated by authorities in relation to giving fake licences to her family, friends and members of an outlaw motorcycle gang.

There is no suggestion that Paulini has any links to any bikie members.

Paulini is due to appear in court next week. Source: AAP
Paulini is due to appear in court next week. Source: AAP

She now faces one charge of corruptly giving a benefit to an agent.

Paulini's lawyer said she is taking the charge very seriously.

"She’s aware of the gravity of the charges and she has instructed us as her legal representatives to treat the matter with the ­utmost seriousness," the lawyer said.

If Paulini is convicted of the charges she could face up to seven years behind bars.

Paulini could face seven years in jail. Source: AAP
Paulini could face seven years in jail. Source: AAP

The RMS employee has already been sentenced to one year home detention.

Paulini is due to appear in Mt Duritt Local Court on August 16.

However, she is contracted to appear in the musical The Body Guard in Brisbane on that date.