UNMIK/PR/1553
PRISTINA – Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Søren Jessen-Petersen today appointed a team to oversee and enhance the financial management of prisoners’ personal accounts.
On 17 March 2006, following concerns that financial records for prisoners’ personal accounts at Dubrava prison could not be properly reconciled, UNMIK Department of Justice (DOJ) together with officers from the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) began an investigation. The FIU’s investigation revealed a number of irregularities in the accounting system.
Thereupon, UNMIK’s Division of Administration, in coordination with DOJ, conducted a full review of the matter. On 12 May 2006 the investigative panel confirmed irregularities in the current procedures for administration of prisoners’ personal accounts in Dubrava.
The SRSG was advised that the existing records of funds held and monies due could not be reconciled. Initial indications suggest that the discrepancies amounted to approximately €65,000. At this stage, no findings of criminal wrongdoing have been established.
The SRSG said: “I am disturbed to learn of these developments. Failings of this sort are completely unacceptable, particularly when monies held in trust for others are at stake. They call for the most urgent remedial action. I have therefore set up a Task Force to oversee and manage prisoners’ personal accounts with immediate effect. The Task Force will remain in place until I am satisfied that proper systems are functioning. At the same time, I will ensure that any missing monies are replaced in full so that no prisoners suffer financially in any way.”
The Task Force comprises legal, financial and IT/systems experts. The SRSG has ordered them as of today to begin their work, to put the necessary procedures in place as quickly as possible to ensure that prisoners’ money is not at risk.
The SRSG has requested the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services to carry out a thorough audit and investigation into the matter. Should the evidence warrant it, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.