IGEPE calls for PGR to investigate LAM corruption schemes

Maputo, 21 Feb (AIM) – The Mozambican Institute for the Management of State Holdings (IGEPE) has called for the intervention of the Attorney-General’s Office (PGR) to investigate the alleged embezzlement and other corruption schemes which have been harming the functioning of the publicly-owned Mozambique Airlines (LAM), as it fights to recover from bankruptcy

The South African Company Fly Modern Ark (FMA), which was hired by the government to bring LAM into profitability and rescue it from bankruptcy, at a press conference on 12 February, claimed that around 3.2 million dollars had disappeared from the airline’s coffers last December alone, and called for further investigations to hold those involved accountable.

The Prime Minister, Adriano Maleiane, has also called for accountability, if it is found that LAM officials are indeed involved in embezzlement.

In a statement IGEPE says that it learnt of the alleged scandal through the media. The reports spoke of embezzlement, properties acquired in favor of third parties, bank accounts set up abroad and sales points (POS) held by people outside LAM.

“In view of the seriousness of the information that has come to light, IGEPE, the representative of the state shareholder in LAM, and the entity that manages and coordinates the state business sector, instructed the FMA and LAM to ascertain the facts and immediately channel their suspicions to the competent authorities. A request for an investigation was submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Maputo city”’ reads the note.

IGEPE reiterates its commitment to fairness, transparency and legality in the management of public capital and expresses its willingness to collaborate with the investigations to find out the truth.

The trade union committees of LAM and the National Union of Civil Aviation, Postal and Communications Workers (SINTAC) have also demanded accountability for all those allegedly involved in embezzlement and other corrupt schemes in the company.

However, the LAM top management has denied the accusations of embezzlement raised by FMA.

(AIM)

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