Somali port officials arrested over fraud allegation

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU, Somalia (Caasmada Online) – Somali police soldiers have arrested 10 government officials in an operation in Mogadishu over alleged corruption scandal.

The detainees, working at seaport customs office in Mogadishu, were reportedly arrested after being accused of losing public funds, according to security officials.

The all members of staffers at Mogadishu sea-port were taken into Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in the capital for further questioning over corruption allegations.

Ahmed Ali Samow, Head of port tax authorities, was among those who were taken into CID for probing fraud embezzlement in Somalia’s busiest port in Mogadishu.

Somalia’s CID chief, Bishar Abshir Gedhi told journalists that up to 10 officials had been arrested over fraud allegation, adding that an investigation relating to case had also been stated.

“We have started an investigation over alleged corruption scandal, after police soldiers arrested 10 members of staffers at Mogadishu sea-port”, he said.

For his part, Somali PM Hassan Ali Khaire has welcomed the arrest of government officials and investigations over the alleged fraud allegations.

Khaire commended the renewed anti-corruption drive that has led to unprecedented arrests of government officials in suspicion of losing public funds.

“We are committed to fight against corruption”, Khaire said.

He asked for all mandated organizations to work closely to ensure the fight against corruption.

Somali leaders pledged that it would continue eradicating widespread nepotism, favoritism, bribery, public fund fraud and aid embezzlement which became a commonplace across all sectors in Somalia.

Caasimada Online

Mogadishu News Desk

Caasimada@live.com