An investigation by the Comptroller General’s Office identified alleged irregularities in the purchase of a Legacy 600 aircraft. For service to the National Police.
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Audit points to members of Police and Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation SA (CIAC).
It has been learned that for now it will only be a detection and as the process progresses, it may lead to interrogations. and then to official investigations.
It turns out that the control agency was talking about an alleged inheritance damage caused by the purchase of one of three aircraft through the CIAC last year. It is questioned that an expensive ship has been purchased and a newer ship can be bought with the resources spent. In addition, necessary changes would be made in the characteristics of the ships.
The history of the process dates back to August 2010, when by presidential decree, the Colombian Air Force was appointed as the State Aviation Authority to guarantee a radical recovery. to the country’s air capabilities.
Then, in 2016, the Police began working on a plan to improve their capabilities and optimize their equipment, and two years later, a strategic review was conducted through the Department of Defense, which led to the decision to purchase equipment for the forces.
People close to the process said that this plan has become an official document submitted to the National Planning Directorate and the Ministry of Finance and was approved in the 2021 National Development Plan during the government of President Iván Duque.
In the police, according to official sources, the Office of the Comptroller himself was asked to accompany the process and technical tables were drawn up to move forward with the acquisitions and it was decided to transfer the responsibility of purchasing to CIAC.
They stated that this was decided on the basis of CIAC’s experience in this type of contracting process. Also, the other organization with these capabilities and experience, the Air Force Recruitment Agency (Acofa), was unable to do so when dealing with planes for the Police.
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A Police source said, “CIAC was chosen because it already has permanent contracts with Police, has great experience and recognition, and knows the market. It is also part of the Defense Social and Business Group (GSED).
He added that an orientation committee of 10 police generals had been formed even before this step was taken, so the delivery was the best for the process.
“CIAC has a lot of experience in contracting processes and they take responsibility for the contract. Contract law has always been followed throughout the process,” the source said.
Many technical visits were made throughout the process, and some aircraft deemed necessary were rejected until three aircraft were purchased, including the one being questioned.
“It is not true that an older aircraft is bought at a higher price, in aviation you have to take into account issues such as aircraft maintenance and the value of its components. As well as safety considerations and aircraft services.”
The purchase price of the ship in question exceeds 12 million dollars, and official sources state that the value of the Legacy 600, which is already in the country, exceeds 14 million dollars.
A source associated with the case said, “The plane is in the delivery stage and has not yet been used or its capabilities have been tested. How can they talk about damage when they haven’t even allowed it to be used yet.”
The SAI will continue to investigate the facts while those involved in the process confirm that there were no irregularities.
@justiciaET
justicia@eltiempo.com
Source: Exame
