ORTB: the trial of nine former officials for embezzlement resumes before the CRIET
The case of embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, and abuse of function involving nine former officials of the ORTB (Office of Broadcasting and Television of Benin) resumed this Tuesday before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET).
CRIET
The file, suspended since January 2024 for further investigation, is once again on the special court’s agenda.
According to information reported by Le Matinal, today’s hearing allowed a review of the defendants’ previous statements. Of the nine defendants, seven had outright denied the facts, while two only admitted to embezzlement of funds.
Upon this resumption, the president of the Court recapped the highlights from the initial hearings, before giving the floor to the defendants. The former chief of finance and accounting service of the ORTB’s regional antenna in Parakou made more declarations, providing additional elements that could weigh in the balance.
The case, which dates back several years, shines a harsh light on the internal management of the national television at a certain point in time. It incriminates alleged practices of systematic diversions, internal collusions and illicit use of public funds intended for the smooth running of the public broadcasting service.
A management that raises questions
More broadly, this case reopens the debate about the accountability of public managers in Benin and the effectiveness of internal control mechanisms in state-owned establishments. The CRIET is now charged with fully elucidating individual responsibilities and possible complicity.
The hearing continues. The public prosecutor’s office is expected to present its requisitions in the coming days, before the defense presents its arguments. The country, on its part, awaits the conclusions of this case which could be a landmark.