The AADE is deploying 17 top officials to “sweep through” the archives of OPEKEPE. Following the illegal subsidies case that shocked the country and caused a political earthquake, the Independent Authority is forming a Special Project Management Team (PMT) with the mission of immediate access to all Organization data and complete restoration of transparency in the critical sector of agricultural subsidies.
AADE “commando” team enters OPEKEPE
The team includes general directors from key sectors of the tax administration – Electronic Governance, Tax Audits, Customs, State General Laboratory – who will undertake coordination, planning and programming of all actions. Under the microscope are payments, contracts, declarations and the overall network of subsidies managed by OPEKEPE.
The PMT will pressure the Organization and cooperating bodies to deliver all data without delay, while compiling monthly progress reports that will reach the AADE Governor directly. Simultaneously, it will monitor implementation of actions and collaborate with public and private entities for effective project execution.
Already last Friday, high-ranking Authority officials visited OPEKEPE offices and requested detailed information on personnel, financial obligations and contracts with private companies. The data must be delivered by August 8, while new requests are expected based on initial findings.
The audits, in cooperation with the Financial Police, will focus on those who illegally obtained high subsidies. Land, leases, pastures, product deliveries and tax data will be scrutinized through a “fine sieve.” Every tax number identified with irregularities will lead to money recovery procedures, with measures including account seizures and asset confiscations.
