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Mozambique National Arrested for Embezzlement of Government Funds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2005
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON -The Inspector General for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and United States Department of State (DOS) announced the arrest of a Mozambique national in Charleston, South Carolina, following an indictment on charges of theft of government funds totaling over $200,000. Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special agents for USAID and the State Department arrested Muftar Ali upon his arrival in Charleston, South Carolina from Mozambique on September 16, 2005.
Acting USAID Inspector General Bruce Crandlemire stated that "This indictment and arrest serves as notice by this office that fraud will not be tolerated and that we will aggressively pursue and seek to prosecute those who attempt to commit acts of fraud, regardless of where they may be located or what nationality they might be."
It should be noted that criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The arrest resulted from a joint investigation by the two Offices of Inspector General. USAID had begun an investigation of Ali for embezzlement of funds during his tenure as cashier at USAID Mozambique Mission. Ali left USAID employment in 2003 to become the cashier at the US Embassy of Mozambique. USAID notified the Department of State of its findings leading to Ali being placed on administrative leave and triggering an internal audit and investigation by DOS OIG. The indictment charges Ali with two counts of theft under Title 18 Section 641 of the United States Criminal Code. The indictment alleges that on or about July 2, 2003 through October 10, 2003, and then again on or about October 13, 2003 through June 6, 2005, Ali engaged in a sophisticated fraud scheme within the cashiering operations of both US Government locations, which resulted in the theft of more than $200,000 from the United States Government.
Department of State Inspector General Howard J. Krongard stated, "This type of collaborative investigative and enforcement effort helps to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are safeguarded and not exploited for personal gain."
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years. For more information on USAID, visit: http://www.usaid.gov.
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