- EBRD and Fergana Omegamet reach settlement regarding fraud in EBRD financed project
- Sanction consists of a 23-month debarment
- Settlement reduces debarment period owing to Fergana Omegamet’s admission of culpability and cooperation
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a 23 month debarment of Uzbek company Fergana Omegamet mas'uliyati cheklangan jamiyati (Fergana Omegamet).
This settlement was reached in connection with fraudulent practices related to the Namangan water project, which aims to renovate water and wastewater infrastructure in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan.
An investigation by the EBRD’s Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) found that, in the context of one of the procurements related to the Namangan water project, Fergana Omegamet had misrepresented its prior work experience by submitting forged documents as part of its proposal. It had also failed to disclose in its technical proposal, as required, payments made to a local agent.
The settlement agreement provides for a reduced sanction in light of the company’s cooperation during OCCO’s investigation, its admission of culpability for the fraudulent practices described, and its voluntary restraint in not bidding in EBRD-financed tender procedures.
The debarment makes the company ineligible to participate in projects and operations financed by the EBRD for 23 months.
The debarment qualifies for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions that was signed on 9 April 2010.
About OCCO
OCCO plays a central role in the EBRD’s commitment to integrity through its mandate to investigate prohibited practices in EBRD-financed projects. More information on OCCO’s broader mandate is available at www.ebrd.com/integrity-and-compliance.html.