Question NW455 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
05 April 2024 - NW455
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1) What (a) is the name of the National Prosecuting Authority prosecutor who was given a National Lottery Commission dossier in 2020 containing details of four grants that were given to questionable nonprofit organisations, (b) total number of the four cases did the prosecutor decide to prosecute and (c) were the outcomes of the prosecutions. (2) whether there was a decision not to prosecute; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant detailed reasons (a) for which such a decision was made, (b) that there has been no outcome of the prosecution and (c) for such a delay?
Reply:
I have received the following response from the National Prosecuting Authority:
1 (a) It is confirmed that experienced prosecutors are assigned to manage all cases emanating from the National Lottery Commission. As a matter of policy, the NPA does not divulge the name of prosecutors assigned to cases, particularly during the investigation stage.
(b) There are 11 NLC - SIU referrals that are being dealt with by the prosecutors. All 11 matters are still under investigation and the prosecution team is awaiting the DPCI to finalise outstanding investigations e.g. forensic report and further statements to be obtained. Some matters, not from the 11 referred to above were closed due to duplication and merged to existing ones. Other matters were closed due to lack of sufficient evidence. It is not clear which four matters the question relates to. Perhaps if the names of the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) and/or the name of an individual linked to an NPO was provided would we be in a position to properly respond to the question.
(c) No prosecutions have been instituted at present, please see response in (b) above.
2. There is no final decision taken on the 11 matters referred to above and the reason for the delay is the finalisation of outstanding investigations. Processes are underway by the DPCI to appoint forensic auditors to compile flow of funds analysis and forensic reports in respect of certain investigations.