This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press – Muhammad Zariyouh
In a shocking event that rocked the Dutch city of Rotterdam, in-depth investigations have revealed a major financial scandal linked to fraud on public funds allocated to projects aimed at combating extremism and promoting social integration.
According to a report published by a local newspaper, this money was transferred to Morocco to invest in a factory in the town of Berkane, covering an area of 1,243 square meters, instead of using it for the purposes for which it was intended. been allocated. .
The investigation showed the involvement of a group of individuals who received financial support from the Municipality of Rotterdam to implement social programs. However, evidence proved that they illegally transferred this money to a private project.
One of those involved, according to the report, was a member of the Rotterdam city council, which adds a political dimension to the matter and puts the council under suspicion.
The matter became complicated with the revelation of the involvement of an employee responsible for the anti-extremism file in the municipality of Rotterdam.
The employee, who worked under former mayor Ahmed Abu Taleb, had lent personal funds to support a cheese factory project in Morocco.
These details aroused public anger, especially since public funds were used to achieve personal interests outside the country.
As the Rotterdam court prepared to hear the case in December 2024, the public prosecutor announced that it had reached an agreement with the accused a few days before the hearing, which led to the mistrial.
The decision sparked a wave of criticism, with some seeing it as an attempt to cover up the affair and prevent disclosure of all parties involved.
Following these developments, several political parties called for the opening of an independent investigation and urgent clarifications from the municipal council.
Simon Siolemans, head of the parliamentary bloc of the Lefbar Rotterdam party, called the affair a “huge scandal” that requires absolute transparency and accountability of those involved, emphasizing the need to protect public funds from mismanagement and corruption .
