Seven years since an anti-corruption watchdog began investigating secret payments, a former mayor and developer have faced court.

Former Casey mayor Sameh Aziz and property developer John Woodman appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court today via video link over $1.2 million of allegedly corrupted payments.

They were each charged by Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission in early September.

Aziz has been charged with five offences including receiving secret commissions, misuse of position and misconduct in public office, and Woodman charged with giving secret commissions.

The two accused men are charged on summons and were told to reappear at court on February 2 for a committal mention.

Aziz's barrister Justin Wheelahan told the court there had been media interes

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