ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi auditors have fined a group of public employees over the embezzlement of more than Dh40 million from the state treasury.
The State Audit Institution said on Thursday that the public employees, who were supported by private entities in the misuse of public funds, were ordered to return the funds in addition to paying another Dh40 million in fines.
The institution did not reveal details about the employees and entities involved in the case, but said it had received the Dh80 million from the suspects.
The embezzlement was uncovered after an anti-corruption team was tasked with investigating suspicious financial transactions.
“This group used the public funds in violation of the legislations, rules and policies that are related to the management of disbursement and collection of public funds,” said Dr Harib Al Amimi, president of the institution.
“As a result a huge financial loss [was] incurred by the public treasury.”
The institution referred the case to judicial authorities to take action, saying its findings are supported by official documents.
anwar@thenational.ae