OFF THE CUFF: Irregularities in purchase of snoop equipment

WITH “irregularities” uncovered in scores of purchases during the previous administration by the Social Investment Fund, which later became the National Assistance program (PAN), it seemed unlikely that the acquisition of surveillance equipment to spy on political enemies, journalists and judges would buck the trend.

An audit of the purchase of the equipment has revealed 20 anomalies in the $13.4 million deal.
The lack of a bond by the provider and a failure to follow procurement procedures were some of the problems identified in the audit, which was ordered as part of the investigation into the disappearance of the equipment.
The audit was done by the Comptroller and turned over to prosecutors earlier this month reports La Prensa.
The equipment was purchased in 2010 from Israeli contractor MLM Protection.
The audit found that the company was not bonded as required by law for state contractors. It also found that there was not any documentation regarding the installation and training in the use of the equipment.
The only evidence that the equipment was received was two documents signed by National Police Director Gustavo Pérez.
There was also a lack of any reports certifying that the company had the ability to conform to the contract as required by law.
The equipment was allegedly used during the previous government to intercept electronic communications of political opponents, journalists and others. So far, four former members of the National Security Council are charged in the case. Two are in jail awaiting trial, and two operating officials who passed reports to the presidency are fugitives.