Doha, Qatar: A senior official at the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ and seven others were referred to the competent criminal court after investigations against them were completed for crimes including money laundering and exploitation of public office. 

This came in a statement released by the Public Prosecution which completed the investigations and referred the eight defendants on charges of bribery, intentional damage to public funds, exploitation of public office, and money laundering to Criminal Court.

“It was proven through investigations that the first defendant, a Qatari national who holds the position of director of a department at the Public Works Authority, requested and accepted sums of money and benefits in exchange for violating the freedom and integrity of tenders and auctions, for the benefit of the other defendants who represent the companies contracted with,” the Prosecution said.

It added that five defendants hold Egyptian nationality, one an Iraqi national and another of Pakistani nationality, who in turn provided the first defendant with the money and benefits as a bribe, and also camouflaged and concealed the true nature of the money obtained from the crimes committed.