The Dutch Public Prosecutor investigates two companies for suspected bribery in securing Sri Lankan hospital construction contracts, with allegations of forged documents to conceal payments totaling millions. The investigation is ongoing and includes significant financial transactions linked to the projects.
The Dutch Public Prosecutor is currently investigating two companies for allegedly paying bribes to secure contracts for hospital construction projects in Sri Lanka. According to an article from FD, a Dutch financial newspaper, these bribes, amounting to millions, were purportedly paid to a senior civil servant, with attempts to hide the payments through forged documents and invoices.
The implicated companies are linked to the construction of three hospitals, which collectively offer around two thousand beds, including a children’s clinic that opened two years ago. These projects received financing from Rabobank and were insured by the Dutch government through Atradius Dutch State Business, as reported by FD.
The investigation, confirmed by the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD), has included raids across four countries since September, resulting in the seizure of over €2 million. Allegations suggest that payments from a Rabobank account associated with Dutch company Enraf-Nonius were funneled to a company in the British Virgin Islands, receiving about €5 million from various parties involved in the hospital projects.
Nimal Perera, a Sri Lankan businessman, is identified as the owner of the aforementioned company. The investigation also includes a second Dutch firm, IPD, an arm of architectural firm AKM, which managed the technical design and financial aspects of the construction. Both IPD and its directors are now suspects in the case, as they admit to transferring funds to a company recently revealed to be misused by Perera. IPD asserts that all payments were verified and approved by Enraf-Nonius, and procedures were discussed with Rabobank and tax authorities.
In summary, Dutch authorities are actively investigating allegations of bribery linked to hospital construction projects in Sri Lanka. Two companies, including Enraf-Nonius, are under scrutiny for their involvement, with significant financial transactions raising concerns about corruption. The investigation highlights the complexities involved in international contracts, underlined by the oversight of banking and tax regulations. The outcome of this investigation may have broader implications for ethical standards in international business dealings.
Original Source: sundaytimes.lk
