Audits of Agriculture Ministry reveal lack of budgetary transparency

Audits of the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Agriculture have uncovered significant financial irregularities, including payments and contracts lacking proper documentation, overdue debts, and improper vehicle financing for employees. These issues were detailed in two internal audits conducted between September 2023 and December 2024, covering the period when Limber Cruz managed the ministry.

The audits, obtained by Diario Libre, identified 56 non-compliance issues, ranging from a lack of internal controls for petty cash to extra-budgetary income that never reached the national treasury. These findings point to potential violations of the National System of Internal Control Law 10-07.

Specifically, the audits revealed that in 2024, the ministry executed payments totaling 7,514.5 million pesos. However, records from the Unified Payment Management System showed only 4,339.5 million pesos, leaving a gap of 3,174.9 million pesos in payments that were not adequately supported or explained. This discrepancy poses a risk of unreliable financial information, potentially impacting administrative decision-making and leading to unconciled or duplicate payments.

Further weaknesses were identified in 2023, with 57 disbursements totaling 96.0 million pesos made via checks and bank transfers lacking essential supporting documents like quotes, invoices, or appropriation certificates. Additionally, 219.8 million pesos in payments to third parties were made without review by the internal audit unit.

Regarding procurement and contracting, the ministry executed 380 processes totaling 978.3 million pesos in 2024. An analysis of 77 of these cases found that 92.8% lacked the necessary documentation to verify compliance with established procedures. This points to a high risk of regulatory and financial non-compliance, as well as reputational damage.