One to twelve year prison terms for WFP aid embezzlement

The Moroccan special court of justice on Thursday sentenced the 31 civil servants involved in embezzlement of foodstuffs granted by the world food program (WFP) to school canteens to prison terms ranging from one to twelve years.

The culprits will also pay fines to the state, globally amounting to $ 8.5 Million (85 Million Dirhams).

The court acquitted five persons who were sued in this case and canceled any action against two others who passed away.

The culprits, all civil servants from the ministry of national education, were brought to court in 1995 on the charge of embezzlement of WFP goods destined to Moroccan schools canteens, misappropriation of public funds, corruption, complicity, sale of foodstuffs offered as humanitarian assistance.