By BBC Caribbean
August 15, 2007
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Prosecutors in Suriname are conducting an investigation into a major case of embezzlement involving government funds.
The government has said it was defrauded of close to US $2 million; the fraud was allegedly carried out by people working for the government. |
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| The scam was brought to light by the former Dutch colony's State Accountancy Service. |
| It claims that some civil servants were adding a number of zeros unto payments for goods and services. |
| As an example, it is alleged that where a payment was to be made for 1,000 Surinamese dollars those behind the scheme would add two more zeros unto that amount and pocket the difference. |
| BBC Caribbean's reporter in Suriname, Steven Van Frederikslust, said the Finance minister Humphrey Hildenberg had a hard time explaining to parliament where things went wrong. |
| Opposition speakers say they hold Mr Hildenberg accountable for the scam and have called for his resignation. |
| In response President Ronald Venetiaan blamed parliament, arguing that the scandal could have been prevented had they put in place new anti-corruption legislation. |
| President Venetiaan vowed that those involved in fleecing the government will be brought to justice. |
| "Even if the thieves come out of my own party they will end up behind bars," President Venetiaan said. |
| The Attorney General says 16 people including government officials from the ministries of finance and education are being questioned by the police. |
| Some Government contractors are also under investigation. |
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