USAID’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated an investigation in response to a disclosure alleging beneficiary fraud within a project funded by USAID and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The investigation identified evidence that 22 local staff members of a Namibia-based awardee engaged in fraudulent activities that included creating ghost beneficiaries and diverting cash subsidies. OIG found no evidence indicating senior project officials were involved in the fraud scheme.
The Department of Justice declined to pursue criminal charges. OIG referred the investigation to USAID.
In February 2025, USAID cancelled the award resulting in the termination of all staff working on the award. For more on OIG’s investigative results, please visit https://oig.usaid.gov/our-work/investigations.
OIG reminds personnel and implementing partners to continue reporting allegations of misconduct to OIG’s Hotline, consistent with award requirements and other legal obligations.