An investigation by the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Bureau of the African Development Bank revealed that the consulting firm engaged in numerous fraudulent practices.
The fraud took place in the context of a call for tenders for consulting services to the Agroforestry Development Support Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The consulting firm responded to a call for tenders for technical studies, biophysical and cartographic services. In its bid, the said company made false statements concerning its experiences in conducting similar studies and the remuneration of its experts. In addition, GEO SCIENCES failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest.
During the exclusion period, this consultancy firm will not be eligible for the award of contracts financed by the African Development Bank. Under the Agreement on the Mutual Application of Exclusion Decisions, this exclusion sanction imposed on GEO SCIENCES International may also be applied by the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development , the World Bank Group and the Inter-American Development Bank.
The Agroforestry Development Support Project was funded from the resources of the Congo Basin Forest Fund (CBFF) hosted within the African Development Bank.