USAID’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) initiated an investigation into a Senior Finance Officer in Zambia who allegedly embezzled approximately $193,295. The investigation found the individual unlawfully altered bank account transactions and modified vendor information within the nonprofit’s payment system to embezzle funds from USAID, the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, U.S. Navy, and National Institute of Health. After the nonprofit learned about the breadth of the fraud, it reimbursed the U.S. government for the diverted funds, and the individual signed a repayment agreement with the nonprofit.
The Department of Justice Office of Foreign Litigation and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colombia declined to pursue Federal or local prosecution.
OIG referred the individual to USAID for consideration of suspension and debarment action, which was ultimately declined.
Our office continues to investigate fraud, corruption, diversion, and other misconduct impacting U.S.-funded foreign assistance programs across multiple agencies. For more on OIG’s investigative results, please visit https://oig.usaid.gov/our-work/investigations.
OIG reminds personnel and awardees to continue reporting allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct to OIG’s Hotline, consistent with award requirements and other legal obligations.