Dutch authorities are investigating two companies suspected of bribing officials for hospital construction projects in Sri Lanka, involving payments exceeding €100 million. Allegations include concealed bribes via forged documents and the involvement of multiple firms, including Enraf-Nonius and IPD. The investigation has confirmed significant financial seizures and aims to clarify the extent of corruption related to these projects.
Dutch authorities are currently investigating two companies suspected of engaging in bribery to secure contracts for hospital construction projects in Sri Lanka. The allegations, reported by FD, a Dutch financial newspaper, suggest that millions in bribes were paid to high-ranking civil servants to obtain projects valued at over €100 million. It is also alleged that these payments were masked by forged contracts and invoices.
The investigation focuses on three hospitals, together housing approximately two thousand beds, including a children’s clinic that opened two years ago. Rabobank financed these projects, which were further insured by the Dutch government through the export credit insurance provided by Atradius Dutch State Business. The ongoing investigation has involved raids across four countries, resulting in the seizure of more than €2 million, confirmed by the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD).
Funds related to the hospital constructions reportedly moved from Enraf-Nonius’s Rabobank account to a company in the British Virgin Islands, with around €5 million received from various contractors, including a small German construction firm and an Australian multinational providing technical services. The legitimacy of these payments is under scrutiny.
In addition to Enraf-Nonius, the investigation includes IPD, a branch of the architectural firm AKM, which oversaw the technical design and construction finances related to the hospitals. IPD had established contracts with Enraf-Nonius for its supervisory role, and both the firm and its two directors have now become suspects in the bribery investigation. IPD’s directors acknowledge that from 2012 to early 2015, they made payments to a company linked to businessman Nimal Perera, who allegedly misused these funds. They assert that these transactions were reviewed and approved by Enraf-Nonius and were previously discussed with Rabobank and tax authorities.
The investigation into alleged bribery by Dutch companies in the Sri Lankan hospital projects raises serious concerns regarding corruption in international contracts. The involvement of high-ranking officials, the use of sophisticated mechanisms to hide illicit payments, and the participation of multiple companies underscore the complexity of these allegations. Ongoing inquiries by the Dutch authorities aim to uncover the full extent of the misconduct and ensure accountability.
Original Source: sundaytimes.lk
