Dutch authorities are investigating two companies for allegedly bribing officials to secure contracts for €100 million worth of hospital construction projects in Sri Lanka. Investigations indicate that millions were concealed via forged documents, and the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service has confirmed ongoing inquiries leading to raids and asset seizures. The case involves Rotterdam’s Enraf-Nonius and IPD from Barendrecht, with substantial funds funneled through accounts linked to a business in the British Virgin Islands.
Dutch authorities have launched an investigation into two companies suspected of bribing officials for hospital construction projects in Sri Lanka. According to FD, a Dutch financial newspaper, these companies allegedly funneled millions in bribes to secure contracts worth over €100 million. The payments were reportedly concealed using forged documents such as contracts and invoices.
The investigation specifically pertains to the construction of three hospitals, including a children’s clinic that was inaugurated two years ago. These projects were financed by Rabobank, a Dutch bank, and were covered by export credit insurance from Atradius Dutch State Business, as stated by FD.
The Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) confirmed that the investigation is in progress, with raids conducted in four countries last September resulting in the seizure of over €2 million. The investigation focuses on transactions that involved the movement of funds from Enraf-Nonius, a Rotterdam-based company, to entities in the British Virgin Islands totaling around €5 million, with additional involvement from a German construction firm and an Australian company.
Nimal Perera, a Sri Lankan businessman, owns the entity in the British Virgin Islands associated with these payments. Furthermore, the Dutch company IPD, part of AKM architecture from Barendrecht, is implicated as it supervised technical aspects of the projects and signed agreements with Enraf-Nonius. The directors of IPD have acknowledged making payments to the suspicious company, claiming they were unaware of its misuse until recently. They also stated that all payments were approved by Enraf-Nonius and discussed with Rabobank and tax authorities.
In summary, the ongoing investigation by Dutch authorities into alleged bribery for Sri Lanka’s hospital projects underscores significant concerns regarding corruption in international contracts. The involvement of multiple companies and the seizure of substantial funds highlight the need for transparent practices in procurement processes. This case reflects broader implications for compliance and ethical governance within international trade and development.
Original Source: sundaytimes.lk
