World Bank bans two Albanian companies from bids over collusive practices

TIRANA, August 9, 2010 – The World Bank Group has debarred RINIA SK Sh.p.k. and DEA DHV Sh.p.k. declaring the two Albanian companies ineligible to be awarded Bank-financed contracts for a period of two years. The decision taken by the World Bank Sanctions Board followed an INT investigation which revealed both companies had committed collusive practices during the bidding phase of a World bank-financed project in Albania. Neither company was awarded a contract.
The period of ineligibility may be reduced by up to one year if DEA has taken appropriate steps to cooperate with the Bank and implemented a corporate compliance program that is satisfactory to the Bank.
This is the first case that is eligible for cross debarment under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions dated as of April 9, 2010 and signed by the African Development Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank Group and the Inter-American Development Bank Group.
“Over the past year, we have worked with our development partners and shareholders to strengthen global anti-corruption mechanisms. Today’s implementation of the cross debarment regime raises the stakes to new levels for firms who engage in corruption,” said Stephen Zimmermann, Director of Operations at the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency.
The World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) focuses on allegations of fraud and corruption involving Bank Group operations or involving Bank Group staff, thereby helping to ensure that development resources reach their intended recipients.