U.S. to cut millions in aid to Turkey over misuse, mismanagement of funds

The U.S. is cutting off millions of dollars worth of aid and is launching a probe into a network of NGO’s, companies, and employees in Turkey that have colluded to overcharge the U.S. government for basic aid it is providing to Turkey, as it settles thousands of Syrian refugees.

The fourteen agencies that have come under investigation are part of a ring that has allegedly been purposely overpaying Turkish groups and companies that have been providing basic products and services. Three of the major groups that have come under fire are The International Med Corps, David Miliband’s charity International Rescue Committee, and The Irish charity GOAL. The charges against these groups range from kickbacks, to bid-rigging, to bribery. All three of the major groups have released statements regarding the accusations against them.

The International Med Corps (IMC) is one of the largest groups that provide medical aid to Syria. In the past five years, they have treated over six million people and worked in 430 hospitals and medical facilities in the surrounding region. The aid that has been cut off is having a major impact on the organization.

According the Daily Mail UK,”IMC’s Chief Compliance Officer Ambassador William Garvelink said: ‘International Medical Corps has been actively cooperating with the USAID Inspector General, and we have also mounted our own internal investigation.’ We have a zero-tolerance policy for fraud and corruption and have fired staff members who were suspected of involvement,” Breitbart reported.