The Dutch authorities are investigating potential bribery by two companies associated with the construction of hospitals in Sri Lanka, involving alleged payments of millions to secure contracts worth over €100 million. The investigation includes multiple financial transactions and has resulted in significant asset seizures.
The Dutch Public Prosecutor is investigating two firms linked to alleged bribery in the construction of hospitals in Sri Lanka, as reported by FD, a financial newspaper. It is suspected that millions were paid in bribes to secure projects valued at over €100 million, purportedly involving a high-ranking official. Concerns have also been raised about the use of forged contracts and invoices to conceal these payments.
The investigation covers three hospitals with a total capacity of around 2,000 beds, including a recently opened children’s clinic. Funding for these projects was provided by Rabobank and was insured by the Dutch government through Atradius Dutch State Business, according to FD.
The Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and involved raids in four countries last September, resulting in the seizure of over €2 million. The investigation focuses on financial transactions related to the hospitals, with funds reportedly moving from an account in Rabobank to a company registered in the British Virgin Islands.
The financial flow involved approximately €5 million and comprised contributions from various parties, including a small German construction firm and an Australian firm offering technical services. The Dutch company Enraf-Nonius, a medical equipment supplier, is central to the case, alongside another firm, IPD, which is a subsidiary of the architectural firm AKM in Barendrecht, overseeing technical aspects and finances of the projects.
IPD, along with its directors, is also a subject of the corruption probe. In a written response, the directors indicated that from 2012 to early 2015, they made payments to a company they became aware may have been misused by businessman Nimal Perera. IPD clarified that these payments were pre-approved by Enraf-Nonius and had been discussed with Rabobank and tax authorities, suggests FD.
The ongoing investigation into Dutch companies allegedly involved in bribery for hospital contracts in Sri Lanka highlights serious concerns regarding corruption in large-scale projects funded by government-backed institutions. With significant sums of money involved and implicated parties spanning multiple countries, the case underscores the necessity of rigorous oversight to prevent financial misconduct in international trade and development.
Original Source: sundaytimes.lk
