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Corruption Files: Millions of Dollars and Unanswered Questions Surrounding a Contract in Syria’s Oil Sector
A contract awarded by mutual agreement for the treatment of oil waste at refineries and oil pits has been referred to the President of the Central Authority for Inspection and Supervision. The referral comes amid information and allegations suggesting that the contract’s award process may involve irregularities warranting verification and scrutiny by the competent authorities.
According to the information circulating, the contract was awarded to "Eco Sustina", with a value amounting to millions of dollars. The allegations indicate that the contract was pushed through under the direction of "Youssef Qablawi" and implemented by "Ahmad Qabi Ji", the Director General of the Syrian Oil Transport Company. Arrangements related to the contract were reportedly conducted at the office of "Zuhair Sawwan", the Director of Development.
The information also includes allegations that gifts and benefits were provided during the contract-award period. These reportedly included a **Rolex watch** valued at more than **$50,000**, allegedly given to Ahmad Qabi Ji, as well as a similar watch and three **iPhones** allegedly given to Zuhair Sawwan.
This report emphasizes that the information cited consists solely of **unsubstantiated allegations**. It cannot be considered established facts or confirmed accusations before an independent official investigation is conducted, all concerned parties are heard, and the competent authorities issue their findings or decisions.
The case raises a number of questions for the regulatory authorities, including:
- What reasons led to the contract being awarded by mutual agreement instead of through a proper and transparent tender?
- What criteria were used to select **Eco Sustina**?
- Was the company’s technical and financial eligibility, as well as its experience in treating oil waste, verified?
- Why was competition among qualified companies excluded?
- Were legal and administrative procedures followed during the preparation, awarding, and signing of the contract?
- Were any gifts, benefits, or potential conflicts of interest linked to the contract?
Given the contract’s financial value and the nature of the allegations surrounding it, there is a clear need for a comprehensive review of the entire process—from the preparation of the terms of reference and the selection of the contracting method, through the award and signing stages, to implementation and payment—in order to determine whether the procedures complied with the applicable laws and regulations.
Names mentioned in the file:
- Youssef Qablawi
- Ahmad Qabi Ji, Director General of the Syrian Oil Transport Company
- Zuhair Sawwan, Director of Development
- Eco Sustina
The file remains before the President of the Central Authority for Inspection and Supervision for verification of the facts, determination of responsibility, and the appropriate legal action, while preserving the right of all entities and individuals mentioned to respond and provide clarification.
