Dutch authorities are investigating two companies for allegedly bribing officials to secure hospital contracts in Sri Lanka, where bribes possibly exceeded millions of euros. The investigation includes three hospitals financed by Rabobank and insured by the Dutch government, leading to the seizure of over €2 million during raids. Both Enraf-Nonius and another firm, IPD, are implicated in the case.
Dutch authorities are investigating two companies suspected of engaging in bribery to secure hospital construction projects in Sri Lanka, as reported by FD, a Dutch financial newspaper. The alleged bribes, amounting to millions of euros, were purportedly funneled to a senior civil servant to obtain contracts valued at over €100 million, with these payments obscured through forged contracts and invoices.
The investigation focuses on three hospitals, comprising around two thousand beds, including a children’s hospital inaugurated two years ago. Financing for these projects was provided by Rabobank, while the Dutch government covered the risk through export credit insurance from Atradius Dutch State Business.
The Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) is actively pursuing this case, having conducted raids across four countries last September, resulting in the seizure of over €2 million. Allegations indicate that funds were transferred from a Rabobank account of Enraf-Nonius—a Rotterdam-based medical equipment firm—to a company registered in the British Virgin Islands, receiving approximately €5 million from various contributors.
Nimal Perera, a Sri Lankan businessman, reportedly owns the company involved. Besides Enraf-Nonius, a second Dutch entity, IPD—an affiliate of AKM, an architectural firm—also engaged in the projects, overseeing technical and financial aspects. Both IPD and its directors are under scrutiny following the Public Prosecution Service’s investigation.
In response to these allegations, the IPD directors admitted to transferring payments to a now-suspected company from 2012 until early 2015, asserting that these payments were vetted and authorized by Enraf-Nonius. Furthermore, they noted their procedures had been previously discussed with both Rabobank and tax authorities.
In summary, the Dutch investigation into bribery allegations concerning Sri Lankan hospital construction projects highlights potential irregularities involving two companies, with considerable financial implications and international ramifications. The ongoing efforts by authorities underscore a commitment to combat corruption and ensure accountability within large-scale construction projects funded by foreign entities.
Original Source: sundaytimes.lk
