COPE to refer Avant-Garde maritime security deal to Bribery Commission, CID

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has decided to refer the Avant-Garde maritime security arrangement to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

COPE Chairman Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera said the arrangement had resulted in significant financial losses to the Government.

He said COPE would also examine measures to recover the alleged losses and consider terminating agreements linked to Avant-Garde.

The complaints will seek investigations into the circumstances surrounding the company’s involvement in maritime security operations and the financial impact on the Government.