WASHINGTON, March 16, 2016 – The World Bank this week debarred Damen Shipyards Gorinchem (Damen) for 18 months. The company engaged in a fraudulent practice under the West Africa Regional Fisheries Program (Phase 1).
An investigation by the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency revealed evidence that Damen engaged in a fraudulent practice by failing to disclose an agent and the amount of commissions due to the agent when it submitted its bid for the supply of a Fisheries Patrol Boat under the West Africa Regional Fisheries Program (Phase 1) in Sierra Leone in early 2013.
“This case demonstrates what it takes to meet the World Bank integrity standard in terms of acknowledging misconduct, cooperating with investigators and raising the bar on compliance,” said Leonard McCarthy World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency.
The sanction is part of a Negotiated Resolution Agreement. Damen has cooperated with the World Bank’s investigation and has taken remedial action, including strengthening its corporate compliance program. For these reasons the debarment period was reduced to 18 months. Under the Agreement the company will continue to cooperate with the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency. In addition, the debarred entity is required to comply with The World bank’s Integrity Guidelines prior to their release from the debarment list.
The debarment of Damen Shipyard Gorinchem qualifies for cross-debarment by other MDBs under the Agreement of Mutual Recognition of Debarments that was signed on April 9, 2010.
