Title: Guinean Court Convicts Three in Corruption Case Tied to World Bank-Funded Project

Significant Convictions in the PRCI Corruption Scandal

WASHINGTON D.C., June 17, 2023 – In a marked effort against financial fraud, the Republic of Guinea’s Ministry of Justice secured convictions of three individuals involved in corrupt activities related to the World Bank-financed Capacity for Service Delivery (PRCI) project.

Background

October 2022: World Bank’s Department of Institutional Integrity (INT) made a criminal referral.
March 2023: Reported allegation of corruption in the PRCI project.
April 2023: World Bank temporarily halted the project, pending investigation.

Official Announcements and Commendations

The World Bank commended the Guinean government and the Minister of Justice for their swift response to the corruption scandal. Callisto Madavo, World Bank Vice President for Africa, expressed his appreciation:

" swift and effective response from the Guinean authorities in investigating and prosecuting this instance of corruption.These convictions underscore our commitment to zero-tolerance for fraudulent activities on projects we finance."

Investigation and Criminal Proceedings

Timeline of Events

INT’s investigation begins.
Temporary project halt.
Guinean officials take action.

Sentencing

Corruption charge: 5-year prison term, F.G. 3,000,000 fine.
Criminal Abstention: 3-year prison term, F.G. 1,000,000 fine.

World Bank’s Department of Institutional Integrity

The World Bank’s Department of Institutional Integrity is responsible for investigating suspicions of fraud and corruption within Bank-supported projects. They consist of forty professionals from various backgrounds.

Reporting Suspicions

Members of the public are encouraged to report any allegations of fraud or corruption related to World Bank-funded projects:

Call 1-800-831-0463 (24 hours a day).
Submit collect calls at 704-556-7046.
Anonymous reports: Submit in person or online at investigations_hotline@worldbank.org.