142-02

The individual respondent (“Respondent”), acting as the representative of a company, participated in an international competitive bidding process under the Support for Haiti’s Transportation Sector Program (Grant Agreement 3570/GR-HA) (“Program”). The Office of Institutional Integrity (“OII”) submitted a Statement of Charges and Evidence against the Respondent for allegedly engaging in fraudulent practices related to the Program. The OII accused the Respondent of failing to disclose the bankruptcy and liquidation of the company, thereby misleading the Executing Agency and the Bank. Additionally, the OII claimed that the Respondent failed to disclose that the contract would be transferred to another entity. Consequently, and in accordance with the Sanctions Procedures, the Sanctions Officer (“SO”) issued a Notice of Administrative Action (“Notice”) against the Respondent. In its Response to the Notice, the Respondent refuted the OII’s allegations. 

The SO determined that it was more likely than not that the Respondent engaged in fraudulent practices. As a result, the SO imposed a sanction of conditional non-debarment for one (1) year. During this time, the Respondent may continue to participate or be awarded contracts in projects or activities financed by the Bank Group, provided it demonstrates completion of a training and/or educational program at an accredited institution, evidencing an ongoing commitment to personal integrity and business ethics. In determining the sanction, the SO considered, as a mitigating factor, the Respondent’s cooperation with the investigation. 

The Respondent accepted the conditions imposed by the SO and, therefore, in accordance with the Sanctions Procedures, the non-conditional debarment came into force.