CORPORATE CRIME REPORTER
Defense
Contractor Pleads Guilty to Bribery
22 Corporate Crime Reporter 23, June 3, 2008
A defense contractor, Raman International Inc., pled guilty today for its role
in a bribery scheme aimed at influencing the award of U.S. Department of Defense
(DOD) contracts at Camp Victory, Iraq.
Raman, headquartered in Cypress, Texas, will pay a criminal fine of $500,000, which is the maximum fine for a corporation charged with conspiracy, and pay restitution in the amount of $327,192.
“It is unconscionable that while our service men and women are risking their lives in a combat zone protecting our national security, some of those entrusted with sustaining our troops are engaged in deceit that deprives our troops of the full support they deserve,” said Sharon Woods, director, Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The Army procures goods and services in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including critical infrastructure, technological components and construction services.
Camp Victory is the primary component of the Victory Base Complex, which occupies the area surrounding the Baghdad International Airport.
In January 2008, Elie Samir Chidiac, a former employee of Raman, was indicted on two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with the same activity, and is currently a fugitive.
Federal officials alleged that a military officer received money and other items from Raman and Chidiac, including a new Harley Davidson motorcycle, in return for conveying sensitive information and fraudulently awarding contracts to Raman.
Upon
performance of these contracts, Chidiac received payment from the Department
of Defense on Raman's behalf and kicked back a portion of that profit to the
military officer.
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