The Office of Institutional Integrity submitted a Statement of Charges and Evidence against a respondent firm and an individual respondent (the “Respondents”) for allegedly engaging in fraudulent practices in relation to the Multipurpose Drinking Water and Irrigation Program for the Municipalities of Batallas, Pucarani and El Alto. The Sanctions Officer (“SO”) determined that it is more likely than not that the Respondents engaged in fraudulent practices.  As a result, the SO imposed a sanction of debarment for a period of three (3) years, during which time the Respondents will be ineligible to participate or be awarded contracts for projects or activities financed by the Bank Group. In accordance with section 8.3 of the Sanctions Procedures, the sanction was extended to an individual who is a shareholder of the respondent firm and a relative of the individual respondent.