Gov’t denounces alleged $15 million payment documents as ‘fake and malicious’
JUBA —South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, has dismissed as fraudulent two documents circulating publicly and allegedly linked to Capital Pay International Limited and Crawford Capital International Limited.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, Ateny said one document falsely claims to appoint Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial as Group Executive for Regional and Global Expansion at CapitalPay Ltd, while the other allegedly authorizes the transfer of US$15 million for activities intended to influence government officials and public institutions.
He stated that the first document falsely claims to appoint Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial as Group Executive for Regional and Global Expansion at CapitalPay Ltd. The second document falsely claims to authorize the transfer of USD 15 million for activities intended to influence government officials and public institutions.
“I wish to state categorically that both documents are fake, fraudulent, and malicious fabrications. They must not be cited, circulated, or relied upon as authentic documents.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, Crawford Capital Ltd was officially contracted by the government following deliberations and approval under Council of Ministers Resolution No. 34/2024, adopted on 14th September 2024. Its mandate is to support the government’s digital-transformation program, including electronic government services and digital revenue-management systems.”
He added that the government recalls that similar acts of fraud have occurred in the past when certain individuals forged the signature of H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic, to facilitate the fraudulent withdrawal of public funds.
“Although they were apprehended, His Excellency, guided by his characteristic compassion and spirit of forgiveness, extended mercy to them. That exceptional act of clemency must never be misconstrued as weakness, tolerance of criminality, or a license to repeat such offenses.”
He revealed that all persons involved in the creation, financing, coordination, publication, circulation, or distribution of the current fraudulent materials will be thoroughly investigated.
“Anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law, and no individual, network, or group will be shielded from accountability.”
He stated that the relevant authorities have been called upon to investigate the origin and circulation of these fraudulent documents and hold all persons involved accountable in accordance with the law.