Tsang: Police investigate possible fraud in purchase of government vehicles

According to the minister, vehicles were delivered that did not meet the stipulated tender conditions. In some cases, features that could establish the actual year of manufacture of the vehicles may even have been removed. The matter has been reported to the police.

Tsang states that under the tender conditions, the vehicles had to meet certain requirements, including a minimum requirement regarding the year of manufacture. He refers to 2018, but remains cautious about the exact year.

Nevertheless, vehicles with older years of manufacture may have been delivered to the government. According to the minister, identifying features that made it possible to immediately determine the age of the vehicles were removed in a creative manner.

Used vehicles offered as being in A1 condition

Reports received by the ministry, including information from the police, reportedly show that several vehicles did not meet the required technical condition.

Under the agreements, the vehicles should have been delivered in A1 condition. However, according to Tsang, the available information shows that a significant number had previously been used in Suriname.

The minister says there are indications that certain vehicles had previously been driven locally and were subsequently sold to the State.

Matter reported to police

According to Tsang, the suspected irregularities were reported to the police from the outset. He says the investigation is among the cases still being handled.

The minister speaks of several vehicles involved, but does not give an exact number. Nor is it clear which persons or companies may be held criminally responsible.

The outcome of the investigation must determine whether criminal offences were committed and who can be held responsible.

The matter follows earlier revelations by Key News about the delivery of second-hand and even third-hand vehicles to government services. Key News also previously reported that Tsang wanted to hold the supplier of the controversial official vehicles accountable.