UNITED NATIONS -- A U.N. tribunal has ordered a former high-ranking official to repay the United Nations $58.
8 million lost in deals he made with a British businessman who showered him with interest-free loans, a Mercedes for his wife and perks for his sons. The three-judge United Nations Dispute Tribunal ruled that evidence “clearly and convincingly" shows that Vitaly Vanshelboim’s misconduct "caused massive financial losses” by the U.N.
Office for Project Services, which says it provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services and is known as UNOPS. The Geneva-based tribunal said last week that Vanshelboim facilitated multiple financial deals between the U.N.
office and British businessman David Kendrick focusing on renewable energy, sustainable housing and the oceans. At the same time, the tribunal said Vanshelboim entered into a series of private arrangements with Kendrick and his businesses stretching back to 2017 — which he never disclosed to the U.N.
as required — and "obtained direct financial and material benefits for himself and his family in the amount of at least $3,133,186.10.” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “is pleased by this judgment,” U.
N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday. “The U.
N. continues to pursue recovery of the funds through other avenues,” he said. “We are fully committed to ensuring criminal accountability for crimes that may involve U.
N. personnel," he said, adding it would cooperate with nationa.
