Un To Audit Ties With Entities Linked To Alleged Bribery

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday ordered an audit of all dealings between the world body and two foundations that are under investigation by U.S. authorities in an alleged bribery scheme.



The UN's internal oversight body will "launch an audit of the interaction between the UN and the Global Sustainability Foundation and the Sun Kian Ip Group, and the use of any funds received from these entities", UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.



"[Ban] is committed to ensuring that funds received from such private entities were handled properly according to relevant UN rules and regulations," Dujarric told reporters in New York.



The announcement of the audit came two days after U.S. authorities charged former UN General Assembly President John Ashe for participating in a broad bribery scheme in which he allegedly performed official actions for five Chinese business persons within the UN in exchange for bribes.



According to the criminal complaint filed in a New York federal court, Ashe took more than $1.3 million in bribes, including from Ng Lap Seng, head of the Sun Kian Ip Group, and Sheri Yan, CEO of the Global Sustainability Foundation.



"The Secretary-General is concerned about the serious nature of the allegations, which go to the heart of the work of the United Nations and its member states," Dujarric said. 



"[He] reaffirms that there will be no tolerance for any corruption at the United Nations or in the name of the United Nations", Dujarric added. - New York