Question NW1307 to the President of the Republic
01 June 2021 - NW1307
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the President of the Republic
(1)Whether, with reference to the investigation of the Special Investigating Unit into corruption in the National Lotteries Commission that he authorised through proclamation, any arrests have been made; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of those arrested, (b) on what grounds were they arrested and (c) on what date were they arrested in each case; (2) whether any official charges have been brought against any persons by the National Prosecuting Authority based on the results of the investigation; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of those charged, (b) what crimes were they charged with and (c) on what date were the charges filed; (3) whether any assets have been seized; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details, including (a) a comprehensive breakdown of all the assets seized, (b) the value of assets seized and (c) from whom they were seized; (4) on what date does he expect that the investigation and a comprehensive report will be completed?
Reply:
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is currently investigating several matters in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI) with respect to the National Lotteries Commission. Due to the fact that investigations are ongoing, there have as yet been no arrests, no charges have been brought against any persons, and no assets have been seized.
The SIU is preparing to refer evidence pointing to criminal action to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and to approach the Special Tribunal in order to freeze assets belonging to several individuals.
Due to the large number of matters identified for investigation, the SIU has divided the investigation into phases. The first phase, consisting of 14 investigation focus areas, is likely to be completed by 30 June 2021. The second and final phase of the investigation is likely to be completed by 31 December 2021.