Corruption in South Sudan (2024)

16/11/2023

As we reported two weeks ago, some employees of the Central Bank have been arrested by National Security for their involvement in a $15 million theft case. The suspects allegedly created a fake account in the Central Bank and withdrew the money over a period of four years until they were exposed a few months ago. No formal charges have been filed yet, but the investigation is still ongoing at the Blue House, the popular name for the National Security headquarters. Meanwhile, some other employees have been suspended from their duties, but not detained. We will keep you updated on any new developments in this case.

We spoke to an expert in the banking sector and asked him how the bank was not able to discover this theft in time and he said the following
That is a very serious case of fraud. There are many possible scenarios in which the employees could hide their theft, but I will mention a few that are relevant to the Oracle core banking system and the fraud detection solutions that Oracle offers.

One scenario is that the employees could have used a technique called layering, which involves moving the stolen money through multiple accounts and transactions to obscure the source and destination of the funds They could have created fake customers, accounts, and transactions in the core banking system, and used them to transfer the money to their own accounts or to third parties. This would make it harder for the bank to trace the money trail and identify the fraud.

Another scenario is that the employees could have exploited a vulnerability or a loophole in the core banking system, such as a lack of proper validation, authentication, or authorization. They could have bypassed the security controls and accessed the system with elevated privileges or forged credentials. They could have manipulated the data or the records in the system, such as deleting, modifying, or hiding the transactions or the accounts that they used for the fraud.

A third scenario is that the employees could have used a technique called smurfing, which involves breaking down the large amount of stolen money into smaller amounts and depositing them into different accounts or locations over a period of time. They could have used the core banking system to make frequent and low-value transactions that would not trigger the anti-money laundering (AML) or fraud detection rules or thresholds. They could have also used cash, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrencies to avoid leaving a digital footprint.

These are just some of the possible scenarios that the employees could have used to hide their fraud. However, Oracle offers various solutions that can help the bank prevent, detect, and investigate such frauds. For example, Oracle Financial Services Crime and Compliance Management Transaction Filtering Cloud Service helps the bank screen transactions against sanctions lists and detect suspicious activities. Oracle Analytics and Oracle Machine Learning can help the bank build and deploy fraud detection models that use advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to identify anomalies and patterns in the data. Oracle Data Platform for Financial Services can help the bank integrate and analyze data from multiple sources and systems to gain a holistic view of the customers and the transactions Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Anomaly Detection can help the bank monitor and flag critical incidents in real time using AI

14/11/2023

The story could come true tomorrow
The people of South Sudan have been suffering through a long and difficult civil war, and the effects on the country and its citizens have been devastating. In addition to the physical destruction, the country has also been plagued by a deep-seated problem of corruption.

Corruption has been a feature of South Sudan since the country's independence in 2011, but the civil war has only exacerbated the issue. Politicians and powerful elites have taken advantage of the chaos to fill their pockets, while ordinary citizens struggle to make ends meet.

The story follows Ben, an idealistic young man who has returned to South Sudan after studying abroad. He has seen firsthand the effects of corruption in the country and is determined to make a difference. He joins an anti-corruption organization and quickly becomes an influential leader in the fight against corruption.

Ben and his team of activists work to bring attention to the problem and to expose the corrupt officials who are enriching themselves at the expense of the people. They organize protests and rallies, and use social media to spread their message.

Ben's efforts have not gone unnoticed. He is targeted by those in power, and finds himself the target of threats and intimidation. Despite the danger, he continues his work, determined to bring justice to the people of South Sudan.

In the end, Ben's efforts pay off and the corrupt officials are brought to justice. Ben is celebrated as a hero, and his story serves as an inspiration to others. The people of South Sudan have a new champion, one who has shown them that corruption can be fought and justice can be achieved.

13/11/2023

Hon Puot Kang Chol, the Minister of Petroleum, has been accused of rampant corruption for employing two of his close relatives in JOC companies. Wal Thuok Duoth, a diploma in rural development graduate of the University of Juba, was employed in the DPOC department of GS, while Tesloach Duop Denker, a diploma in community development graduate from Kenya school, was employed as an engineer in the department of project monitoring and evaluation.

Since the minister was appointed to this position, he has been accused of blatant nepotism, appointing many of his relatives to jobs without any competition in the petroleum companies. He has also submitted large bids to the companies of his relatives and close friends, and this corruption is continuing to expand rapidly in the Ministry of Petroleum

09/11/2023

Mohand Ahmed
He is the right-hand man of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mayiik Ayii Deng who is accused of stealing millions from the public funds. He is also the mastermind behind the illegal arms trade to Sudan, where he profits from the bloodshed and violence. He is the Sudanese arms dealer, and we have uncovered his secrets.

In two days, we will publish an exclusive report that will expose his shady dealings, his money laundering schemes, and his connections to the former minister and other corrupt officials. We will reveal how he smuggled weapons to Sudan, how he laundered the money through offshore accounts and shell companies, and how he evaded justice and accountability.

Don't miss this explosive report that will shed light on the Sudanese arms dealer and his partner in crime, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mayiik Ayii Deng

09/11/2023

Join us tomorrow as we expose the shocking scandal of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Mayen Wol Jong and his partner in crime, the Minister himself. Puot Kang Chol Learn how they conspired to loot the oil revenues and distribute the top positions in the oil sector among their cronies and relatives. Don't miss this explosive report that will reveal the truth behind the oil thieves.

04/11/2023

An open letter to president of South Sudan his excellency Salva Kiir

Your Excellency, President Salva Kiir,

We are writing to you as a concerned citizen of South Sudan, who loves this country and wishes to see it prosper and thrive we are writing to you to urge you to take decisive and urgent action to combat the rampant corruption that is plaguing our nation and undermining our development and stability.

Corruption is a cancer that is eating away at the fabric of our society and our institutions. It is depriving us of our resources, our opportunities, and our dignity. It is eroding our trust and confidence in our leaders and our government. It is fueling conflict and violence, and threatening our peace and security.

Your Excellency, you have the power and the responsibility to stop this corruption and to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the mandate and the legitimacy to reform our system and to restore our integrity. You have the vision and the wisdom to lead our country to a brighter and better future.

But you cannot do this alone. You need the support and cooperation of your family, your allies, your colleagues, and your people. You need to set an example and a standard for others to follow. You need to be transparent and accountable to the public and to the law.

Your Excellency, we know that some of your family members are also involved in corruption, and we understand that this is a difficult and sensitive issue for you. But we appeal to you to put the interests of the nation above the interests of your relatives. We ask you to stop corruption now and leave accountability to future generations, because you will not be able to hold them accountable yourself. We hope that you will use your influence and authority to persuade them to stop their corrupt practices and to return the stolen money to the state.

Your Excellency, we also know that corruption is not limited to your family or your party. It is widespread and systemic, and it affects all sectors and levels of our society. It is especially prevalent and harmful in the oil and banking sectors, which are the main sources of our national income and wealth.

The oil sector is riddled with mismanagement, fraud, and embezzlement. The oil companies, especially the Chinese ones, are exploiting our resources and our people, and paying bribes to secure contracts and concessions. The oil revenues are not reaching the treasury or the people, but are being diverted and siphoned off by corrupt officials and middlemen. The oil production and transportation are causing environmental damage and health hazards to our land and our people.

The banking sector is also corrupted and compromised. The Bank of South Sudan is the main target and tool of corruption. The bank is issuing loans and grants to individuals and entities without proper criteria or oversight. The bank is printing money and inflating the currency without regard to the economic consequences. The bank is facilitating the transfer and laundering of illicit funds to foreign accounts and destinations. The bank is failing to perform its functions and duties as the central bank of the country.

Your Excellency, we urge you to reform and regulate these two sectors, and to ensure that they serve the national interest and the public good. We urge you to audit and investigate the oil and banking transactions and activities, and to recover and reclaim the lost and stolen funds. We urge you to prosecute and punish the corrupt actors and accomplices, and to prevent and deter future corruption.

Your Excellency, we also want to draw your attention to the other areas and aspects of corruption that are affecting our country and our people. We want to mention some of the most pressing and prominent ones, such as:

• The rebellion against the government has become a commodity and a new way for any group to gain power and privileges, which is a new type of corruption in this country. Some of the rebel groups are not fighting for a genuine cause or a legitimate grievance, but for personal gain and political advantage. They are using violence and intimidation to extort money and resources from the government and the people. They are disrupting the peace process and the implementation of the revitalized agreement. They are undermining the unity and sovereignty of the country.

• The employment in vital sectors has become exclusively for the children of those with high positions and other privileges. The merit and competence of the candidates are not considered or respected, but only their connections and affiliations. The nepotism and favoritism are depriving the qualified and deserving candidates of their opportunities and rights. The lack of diversity and representation are creating resentment and frustration among the marginalized and excluded groups. The lack of professionalism and efficiency are affecting the performance and quality of the services and the sectors.

• The Ministry of Finance has become the treasure from which anyone can enrich themselves. It is enough to bring a letter and invoices from any ministry to the Ministry of Finance stating that they have supplied this or that commodity to obtain millions of dollars from the money of this steadfast people until today. The procurement and payment processes are not transparent or accountable, but are manipulated and exploited by the corrupt officials and suppliers. The fake and inflated invoices are draining the public funds and resources. The goods and services are not delivered or are of poor quality and standards.

• We are the first country to sell ministerial positions through brokers within your presidential office, and if you do not know this matter, you must stop it immediately because it is the root of corruption and many letters come out of your office without your knowledge to facilitate the disbursement of millions of dollars from the Central Bank and some oil companies. The appointment and dismissal of ministers and other senior officials are not based on their qualifications or performance, but on their ability to pay or bribe the brokers and the intermediaries. The brokers and the intermediaries are influencing and interfering in your decisions and policies. The letters and the orders that come out of your office are not authorized or endorsed by you, but are forged or fabricated by the brokers and the intermediaries.

Your Excellency, we hope that you will address these issues and challenges, and that you will take the necessary measures and actions to combat and eliminate corruption in our country. We hope that you will listen to the voice and the will of the people, who are suffering and struggling because of corruption. We hope that you will fulfill your promises and your obligations, and that you will honor your oath and your legacy.

Your Excellency, we respect and appreciate your leadership and your service to our country. We support and trust your vision and your wisdom. We pray and hope for your health and your success. We are with you and behind you in your efforts and endeavors to make South Sudan a prosperous and stable nation.

May God bless you and bless our country.

Sincerely,
People of South Sudan

02/11/2023

South Sudan's Oil Minister Faces Corruption Allegations

South Sudan's oil minister, Puot Kang Chol, has been accused of accepting at least $7 million in bribes from Chinese companies lobbying for lucrative contracts in the country's oil sector. The allegations were made on social media and have not been verified by any official investigation. Puot Kang Chol has denied the allegations and said that he is a man of integrity who works hard for the betterment of the country. He also challenged anyone who has evidence to the contrary to come forward

The allegations against Puot Kang Chol come at a time when South Sudan is struggling to recover from years of civil war and economic crisis. The country relies heavily on oil revenues, which account for about 98% of its budget. However, the oil sector has been plagued by mismanagement, corruption, and environmental damage. According to a report by Global Witness, a watchdog group, South Sudan has lost billions of dollars in oil revenues due to opaque deals, poor governance, and diversion of funds

The report also revealed that some of the Chinese companies involved in the oil sector have been implicated in human rights abuses, environmental violations, and corruption scandals in other countries. For example, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), one of the main partners of South Sudan's state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet), has been accused of complicity in atrocities committed by the Sudanese government in Darfur and South Kordofan CNPC has also faced allegations of bribery, fraud, and environmental pollution in countries such as Chad, Niger, Iraq, and Canada.

Another Chinese company that has been linked to Puot Kang Chol is China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation (CPECC), a subsidiary of CNPC. According to a leaked document obtained by Sudans Post, CPECC offered Puot Kang Chol a $2 million bribe in exchange for a contract to build a pipeline from Paloch oil field to Melut refinery. The document also showed that CPECC had previously paid bribes to other South Sudanese officials, including former oil minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth and former Nilepet managing director Chol Deng Thon.

Puot Kang Chol is not the only member of the current government who has faced corruption allegations. In December 2021, President Salva Kiir sacked his finance minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit after he was accused of embezzling $20 million from the central bank. In January 2022, Vice President James Wani Igga admitted that some senior officials had stolen $36 million from a loan provided by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for buying food and medicine.

These cases illustrate the extent and impact of corruption in South Sudan, which ranks as one of the most corrupt countries in the world according to Transparency International. Corruption undermines the trust and confidence of the people and the international community in the government and its institutions. It also deprives the country of much-needed resources for development and humanitarian assistance. It is therefore imperative that the government takes concrete steps to combat corruption and ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds

01/11/2023

Employees steal $15 million from the Bank of South Sudan

You might think that bank heists only happen in movies, but you would be wrong. A group of employees at the Bank of South Sudan managed to pull off a daring robbery that lasted for five years and netted them more than $15 million. They were only caught by a stroke of luck, when a curious employee stumbled upon their secret account.

How did they do it?

According to our source from the Central Bank, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the thieves opened a hidden account in 2019 and used it to transfer millions of dollars over the course of five years. They split the money between local and foreign banks, making sure to avoid any suspicion. They also timed their transfers to coincide with holidays, when the bank was less busy and more vulnerable.

The account was discovered two weeks ago, when an employee working in the foreign currency department was reviewing some accounts and noticed something odd. There was an account that had been active since 2019, but the people in charge of it were employees who had no access or authority to such an account. When he checked the transaction history, he was shocked to see that they had moved millions of dollars out of the bank. He immediately alerted the bank management.

Why did it take so long to find out?

You might wonder how such a large-scale theft could go unnoticed for so long. Our source explained that it was almost impossible for a single employee to pull off such a scheme, but this was a collaborative effort between several employees from different departments. They had access to the bank's information technology system and could manipulate the data and hide their tracks.

Our source identified some of the people who are directly responsible for these funds and should be investigated immediately:

• The employee who has the full password to access the database and banking system section. He has been working in the bank for fifteen years and never takes a day off. He even comes to work on holidays and official holidays. He is the prime suspect, as he could create and manage the hidden account.

• The director of the information technology department, who was suspended from work three months ago and is still under investigation. He also had access to those passwords and could have been involved in the theft or covered it up.

• The employees who worked in the foreign currency department, who could transfer money to local and foreign banks without raising any alarms.

• The employees who worked in the core banking, who could bypass or disable any surveillance or alarm systems that could have detected the theft.

This is one of the biggest bank heists in Bank of South Sudan, and it exposes the flaws and weaknesses of the banking system in South Sudan. It also raises questions about how many other accounts like this one might exist, and how much money might have been stolen from other banks or institutions. We hope that the authorities will take swift action to bring these thieves to justice and recover the stolen money.
1- Hon. Samuel Yanga the current 1st Deputy Governor and former Director General for Administration and Finance from 2019 to 2023
2- James Luba the ICT manager (under investigation now for different case)
3- Donald Wani the head of core banking and database (the staff responsible for creating accounts)
4- Bawal Berima general account section
And many more staff will be involved in this case after a serious investigation
What makes this whole affair even more terrifying, according to our source, is that the governor Hon. James Alic is trying to sweep it under the rug and prevent a thorough investigation.
The mystery remains: how many hidden accounts are lurking in the shadows, and how much money has been siphoned off by these cunning thieves?

23/09/2023

Corruption in South Sudan's gold sector is a serious problem that deprives the country of much-needed revenue and economic development. According to a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), the gold sector in South Sudan is currently characterized by crime and corruption, under the control of kleptocratic networks and foreign nationals The report estimates that millions of dollars' worth of gold is being produced and smuggled out of the country every year, with little or no benefit for the local miners and communities.

The report identifies several factors that contribute to the corruption and criminality in the gold sector, such as:

• The lack of legal and regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms for the gold sector, which keep it informal and unregulated. The report claims that there are significant shortfalls in enforcement due to limited capacity, tension between national and state authorities, and corruption

• The violence and insecurity that discourage mineral exploration and the growth of a formal gold mining sector. The report notes that South Sudan has been plagued by civil war and armed conflict since its independence in 2011, which have disrupted the mining activities and created a conducive environment for illicit trade

• The involvement of political elites and members of the security apparatus in mining ventures, resulting in an opaque sector that is shielded from any form of investigation. The report alleges that political elites and well-connected businesspeople abuse their political authority and mining policy to shore up power and profits. They also partner with foreign nationals, especially from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan, who provide capital, equipment, and access to regional and international markets

The report names some of the individuals and officials who benefit from the export of gold and their companies, such as:

• President Salva Kiir, who is accused of having a stake in several mining companies through his relatives or associates. For example, his brother-in-law Gregory Vasili owns 40% of Abington Mining Company Ltd., which has a license to explore for gold in Eastern Equatoria State

• Vice President James Wani Igga, who is alleged to have interests in mining companies through his son Peter Wani Igga. For example, Peter Wani Igga owns 50% of Nile Drilling Company Ltd., which has a license to explore for gold in Central Equatoria State

• Former Chief of General Staff Paul Malong Awan, who is reported to have connections with mining companies through his associates or relatives. For example, his nephew John Agou Wuoi owns 50% of Consolidated Minerals & Energy Resources Investment Ltd., which has a license to explore for gold in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State

• Former Minister of Petroleum Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, who is said to have links with mining companies through his friends or relatives. For example, his friend Bol Mel owns 50% of South Sudan Gold Mining Company Ltd., which has a license to explore for gold in Western Bahr el Ghazal State

16/09/2023

Obac William Olawo is a South Sudanese businessman who is on the US sanctions list for being a leader of an entity that has the purpose or effect of expanding or extending the conflict in South Sudan. He is accused of providing soldiers, armored vehicles, and weapons to support the government offensive against the opposition forces. He is also involved in corruption and embezzlement of public funds meant for humanitarian assistance

The largest corruption case he participated in was the procurement of food items for the South Sudanese army in 2016. He allegedly inflated the prices and delivered rotten food, causing the army to suffer from food poisoning and malnutrition. He also failed to pay taxes and customs duties, depriving the government of revenue. He reportedly made millions of dollars from this deal, which he used to buy properties and luxury cars.

Some of his associates are Gregory Vasili, a former governor and army general who was also sanctioned by the US for his role in the conflict and corruption, and Israel Ziv, a retired Israeli general who was also sanctioned by the US for supplying weapons and military training to both sides of the conflict

Some of the companies that are involved in corruption with Olawo are Golden Wings Aviation, Crown Auto Trade, and Africana General Trading Ltd. These companies are owned or controlled by Olawo and were also sanctioned by the US for their links to the conflict and corruption

Some of his properties in South Sudan include a mansion in Juba, a hotel in Malakal, and several plots of land in various locations. Some of his properties outside South Sudan include a villa in Kampala, Uganda, a penthouse in Nairobi, Kenya, and a bank account in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

12/09/2023

Cowboy: Emmanuel Khamis Richard
The acting mayor of Juba City since June 2023
His achievements
Assaulting females street vendor in a crackdown targeting hawkers in Juba

07/09/2023

Juba Bahr El Ghazal Road: A Project Marred by Scandals and Corruption

The Juba Bahr El Ghazal road is a 394 km highway that connects the capital city of South Sudan, Juba, to the western region of Bahr el Ghazal. The road project was initiated in 2018 by the government of South Sudan with the aim of improving the infrastructure and boosting the economy of the country. The road was supposed to be constructed by Shangdong Hi-Speed Ltd, a Chinese company, and paid with crude oil.

However, the road project has been plagued by scandals and corruption since its inception. The project has faced delays, mismanagement, embezzlement, and poor quality of work. The road has also sparked conflicts and protests among the local communities along its route.

Some of the major scandals and corruption cases related to the Juba Bahr El Ghazal road are:

• The former presidential affairs minister, Mayiik Ayii Deng, was sacked by President Salva Kiir in 2020 for his improper handling of the road project. Mayiik was in charge of overseeing the construction of the road and signing contracts with the Chinese company. He was accused of single sourcing, inflating costs, diverting funds, and failing to supervise the quality of work He was also blamed for the collapse of a section of the road due to heavy rains. A lawyer called for Mayiik to be held accountable and investigated by the anti-corruption commission and the ministry of justice.

• The government of South Sudan has failed to pay the Chinese company for its work on the road project. The contract stipulated that the government would pay with crude oil, but due to low oil prices and production, the government has not been able to meet its obligations. The Chinese company has reportedly stopped working on the road since 2020 and demanded payment from the government The government has also failed to provide security and compensation for the workers who have been attacked and killed by armed groups along the .

• The road project has faced resistance and opposition from some local communities in Terekeka state, who claim that the road will destroy their ancestral lands, grazing areas, and water sources. They have demanded that the government consults them and compensates them for their losses. They have also staged protests and blocked the road construction several times. The government has responded with force and violence, resulting in deaths and injuries among the protesters

• The anti-corruption mission in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state has recovered a government vehicle that was allegedly sold illegally by a public official. The vehicle belonged to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission and was supposed to be used for monitoring and supervising the road project in the state . The vehicle was found in the possession of a trader in Wau town .

• The authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state have also launched an investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds related to the road project in the state. The state governor accused some officials of diverting 9.8 million South Sudanese pounds (SSP) meant for compensating landowners affected by the road project. He also accused some officials of inflating prices and receiving kickbacks from contractors

The Juba Bahr El Ghazal road project is a vital infrastructure development for South Sudan, but it has been tarnished by scandals and corruption that have undermined its progress and quality. The government needs to address these issues and ensure transparency, accountability, and participation in the implementation of the project. The government also needs to work with the Chinese company, the local communities, and other stakeholders to resolve their disputes and grievances peacefully. The Juba Bahr El Ghazal road project should be a source of pride and prosperity for South Sudan, not a symbol of shame and failure.

Corruption in South Sudan

16/11/2023

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13/11/2023

09/11/2023

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