UNITED NATIONS –
A UN tribunal has ordered a former high-ranking official to repay the United Nations US$58.8 million lost in deals he made with a British businessman who showered him with interest-free loans, a Mercedes for his wife and perks for his sons.
The three-judge United Nations Dispute Tribunal ruled that evidence “clearly and convincingly” shows that Vitaly Vanshelboim’s misconduct “caused massive financial losses” by the UN Office for Project Services, which says it provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services and is known as UNOPS.
The Geneva-based tribunal said last week that Vanshelboim facilitated multiple financial deals between the UN office and British businessman David Kendrick focusing on renewable energy, sustainable housing and the oceans.
At the same time, the tribunal said Vanshelboim entered into a series of private arrangements with Kendrick and his businesses …