Widespread Financial Fraud Uncovered in Palestinian Territory, Occupied
The Palestinian Attorney General, Ahmed al-Meghami, has announced that a staggering $700 million (approximately £400 million) in public funds have been misused or stolen, with suspicions that much more may be missing. The investigation into official corruption has led to the issuance of 10 international arrest warrants and 25 arrests.
Background
This announcement comes just weeks after Hamas’s landslide victory in parliamentary elections, largely attributed to widespread discontent among Palestinians over corruption within their leadership.
Initial Hesitation by Palestinian President
Al-Meghami stated that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is not accused of corruption, initially asked him to delay a public announcement about the investigation until after the election, fearing it would be perceived as an attempt to sway voters.
Details of the Investigation
The Attorney General revealed that 50 cases of financial and administrative corruption have been identified, with over $700 million squandered or stolen. He believes that billions more may have been misappropriated, although he is not an accountant.
Here are some notable examples:
- Payments of $4 million in PA funds and $2 million in Italian aid money to a fictitious pipe factory, which allegedly existed only on paper.
- State-owned corporations, including oil, tobacco, and broadcasting companies, implicated in the investigation.
Impact on Palestinian Economy
The economic crisis in the occupied territories, exacerbated by corruption and mismanagement, has left the Palestinian Authority unable to pay its workers this month after foreign donors withheld aid due to over-expenditure. However, the Israeli cabinet has approved the transfer of $45 million in tax revenues to the PA, frozen since Hamas’s election victory. Further payments will be reviewed once Hamas takes control of the government.
Recent Violence
Meanwhile, a Palestinian man stabbed a woman to death and wounded five others in a knife attack on an Israeli minibus, which police described as politically motivated. In response, Israel killed three men it identified as “terrorists” in an air and artillery assault on the Gaza Strip after a Palestinian rocket attack that severely injured a seven-month-old baby and two others.
Conclusion
The discovery of widespread financial fraud in the Palestinian Territory highlights the need for accountability and transparency in government. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what further consequences will be meted out to those responsible.