Pursuant to Sanctions Board Decision No. 102 issued in Sanctions Case No. 345, the Sanctions Board imposes a sanction of debarment on Angelique International Limited (the "Respondent") with a possibility for conditional release after a minimum period of ineligibility of four (4) years and six (6) months.
This sanction is imposed on the Respondent for corrupt practices as defined in Paragraph 1.14(a)(i) of the World Bank's Guidelines: Procurement under IBRD Loans and Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ Credits (May 2004) and Paragraph 1.16(a)(i) of the World Bank's Guidelines: Procurement of Goods, Works, and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and Å·ÃÀÈÕb´óƬ Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011) (the "January 2011 Procurement Guidelines"); and for fraudulent practices as defined in Paragraph 1.16(a)(ii) of the January 2011 Procurement Guidelines.
Capsule Summary of Findings:
With respect to the Ethiopia Projects, the Respondent was found to have engaged in a corrupt practice by paying a bribe to a procurement specialist with the Ethiopia Project Implementation Agency in order to influence the procurement processes for the Ethiopia Contracts. Regarding the Nepal Project, the Respondent was found to have engaged in a corrupt practice by agreeing to make an improper payment to its local agent to pass along to Nepalese public officials in order to influence the award of the Nepal Contract. The Respondent was also found liable for a fraudulent practice by knowingly misrepresenting the anticipated role of its JV Partner in the execution of the Nepal Contract. Finally, the Respondent was found liable for a fraudulent practice by knowingly submitting a false soil test report to the Nepal Project Implementation Agency in connection with the Nepal Contract. In selecting the appropriate sanction for the Respondent, the Sanctions Board took into account all relevant aggravating and mitigating factors. Full discussion of the facts, allegations, and the Sanctions Board's analysis can be found in the published decision.