In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Abdallah Bilenge, Director General of the Airways Authority (RVA), was arrested on 10 November. He has since been held in Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa. He is accused of embezzling tens of millions of dollars. This money should be paid specifically to certain socio-professional services such as the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), according to legal sources. His arrest comes at a time when allegations of alleged financial embezzlement are increasing within this public facility that handles air transport.
as reported from Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
Abdallah Bilenge is charged with embezzlement of social security contributions due to particularly socio-professional institutions such as the Social Security Fund (CNSS), the Professional Preparation Institute (INPP), the National Employment Office (ONEM) and the Directorate General Tax (DGI).
According to Abdallah Bilenge’s lawyer, this is an obligation to pay a social debt. He adds that this money has never been paid out and even less used for personal purposes. He also explains that despite deductions from the agents’ salaries, the RVA Treasury did not have the capacity to transfer these rights to the various government services. Fifty-four airports are operated by RVA, but only two get enough revenue, he said.
Abdallah Bilenge’s relatives add that this situation has been going on for several decades since 1996 and is known to the government. A request for a preliminary release has been submitted, but Abdallah Bilenge’s situation is likely to deteriorate as the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (IGF) next week concludes an investigation into the handling of charges related to the airport charge development charge. Justice has already ordered the IGF to send the conclusions of this inquiry, especially based on the balance sheets.
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