Fisheries department insists it went by the book amid EU fraud investigation

The fisheries department hit back on Saturday against an audit office report suggesting it may have squandered public funds as a result of an “unacceptable” tender process.

A report has already been filed to the EU’s anti-fraud office (Olaf), which is now investigating the fisheries department. The audit office said it has reported the matter to the anti-corruption authority and transparency commissioner for possible criminal offences including abuse of power.

In its report published on Friday, the audit office questioned why the fisheries department opted for a tender offer that was €1.5 million more expensive than the cheapest alternative that has since been marred with delays.

It concerns an oil recovery vessel aimed at responding to marine pollution incidents in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.

The audit office also slammed the contractor for blackmailing the fisheries department that if he did not receive an extension, he would give up on the project – with no one holding the contractor accountable.

In a statement on Saturday, the fisheries department said “all procedures laid down in the relevant legislation for the tender have been followed.”

The department specified it wanted to set the record straight as the audit office had levied “serious allegations on cases which are not substantiated.”

It added that the purchase for the vehicle placed emphasis on its qualitative characteristics.

“The project aims to strengthen the state’s infrastructure and operational capacity to effectively respond to marine pollution incidents involving oil products, ensuring maximum protection of the marine environment, economic activities and the public interest in general.”

The fisheries department noted that all tender documents were approved by the competent authority and the relevant certificate was issued.

“The department acted transparently at all stages of the procurement, evaluation and contract management, putting the public interest first, and we are open to any investigation,” it concluded.