Investigation Underway: $330,000 Missing from Beirut Municipality
A scandal has erupted in Beirut, Lebanon, just months after a new municipal council took office. The controversy centers on the disappearance of $330,000 from the city’s treasury, with no legal documentation to account for the funds. The details of this case, reported by Annahar, paint a picture of potential financial mismanagement and raise serious questions about accountability.
The Missing Funds and the Players Involved
The issue came to light during a recent municipal council meeting. The agenda included a matter related to a State Council decision, which mandated the municipality to pay approximately $330,000 in compensation to 20 firefighters. These firefighters had previously contested a decision by former governor Ziad Chebib, who had allegedly denied them their rights. The compensation was intended to cover fuel coupons that the firefighters had been deprived of for several years.
During the discussion, a council member revealed that the 20 firefighters had already received the funds, seemingly without the council’s knowledge or authorization. Subsequent investigations revealed that the city’s treasurer, Khodr Abou Aram, had withdrawn the entire sum without informing anyone. His justification was that he acted out of sympathy for the firefighters.
Suspicious Deductions and Cover-Up Attempts
Adding to the intrigue, it was discovered that $3,000 had been deducted from each firefighter’s compensation. The article suggests that Abou Aram may have illicitly obtained approximately $50,000 within a short period. He allegedly requested that the firefighters keep the matter secret. However, the scheme was exposed when three firefighters, who had not been part of the original legal challenge, did not receive their due compensation. They contacted council members, bringing the issue to light.
The Investigation and its Ramifications
Following the disclosure, the State Security apparatus arrested Abou Aram. Elements of the State Security, accompanied by officials from the Audit Bureau, entered the municipal finance building. Council member Imad Fakih emphasized that opening the treasury required administrative procedures and could not be unilaterally decided by a single employee. He noted that the presence of Audit Bureau officials would likely prevent any attempts to exonerate the implicated employee, with the investigation possibly uncovering additional irregularities.
Council member Said Hdaifeh pointed out that the core issue lies within the municipality’s internal system, questioning how an individual could access and withdraw funds without any oversight. A source from State Security confirmed that Abou Aram admitted to disbursing the funds without adhering to administrative procedures, though he maintained that his intention was to assist the firefighters and implement the State Council’s decision.
Legal Action and Future Outlook
The situation is now poised for a comprehensive investigation and review of all the municipality’s financial records. Beirut MPs Fouad Makhzoumi, Ghassan Hasbani, Faisal Sayegh, Nadim Gemayel, and Nicolas Sehnaoui have filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor, Judge Maher Chaitou, requesting a formal investigation into the matter. The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will likely have significant implications for the Beirut municipality and its financial practices.
Source: Annahar
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