#Tender Documents in Dubai

[prodeskkuae]

Starting a Small Business in Dubai Mainland: A Guide

Dubai is a city known for its vibrant economy, world-class infrastructure, and unmatched business opportunities. For entrepreneurs, Mainland Company Formation offers a flexible and profitable path to success. Starting a small business in Dubai Mainland might seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, the process can be straightforward and rewarding.

This guide is designed to help beginners understand the steps, requirements, and benefits of starting a small business in Dubai Mainland.

Why Choose Dubai Mainland for Your Small Business?

Dubai Mainland offers unique advantages that make it a top choice for small businesses:

Access to Local and International Markets: Mainland businesses can operate anywhere in the UAE and beyond without geographic restrictions.

Wide Range of Activities: Engage in diverse business activities, from trading and consulting to retail and manufacturing.

Eligibility for Government Contracts: Mainland companies can bid on lucrative government tenders.

Strategic Location: Dubai’s position as a global trade hub makes it ideal for small businesses targeting international clients.

Steps to Start a Small Business in Dubai Mainland

1. Decide on Your Business Activity

The first step in starting your business is choosing your activity. The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai offers a comprehensive list of approved business activities. Ensure your chosen activity aligns with your goals and meets the DED’s regulations.

2. Choose a Legal Structure

Your business’s legal structure defines its ownership, liability, and operational guidelines. Popular structures for small businesses include:

Limited Liability Company (LLC): Ideal for businesses with multiple partners, offering limited liability protection.

Sole Proprietorship: Suitable for individuals offering professional services.

Civil Company: Used for partnerships in professional services such as consultancy.

3. Understand Ownership Requirements

Thanks to recent changes in UAE law, many activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. However, some business categories still require a UAE national sponsor who will own 51% of the company. Research your specific activity to determine ownership rules.

4. Select a Trade Name

Your trade name should be unique, professional, and relevant to your business activity. It must also comply with the DED’s naming guidelines, which prohibit offensive language, religious references, and duplicated names.

5. Obtain Initial Approvals

Submit an application to the DED for initial approvals. These approvals confirm that your chosen activity and trade name meet the regulatory requirements.

6. Secure an Office Space

Dubai Mainland companies must have a physical office. You’ll need to lease a workspace and register the tenancy contract through Ejari, the official lease registration system. Many small businesses opt for affordable office spaces to keep overhead costs low.

7. Prepare Legal Documents

Depending on your legal structure, you’ll need to prepare documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent Agreement (LSA). These must outline ownership details, responsibilities, and profit-sharing terms. Ensure these documents are notarized by a UAE court.

8. Apply for a Trade License

Submit all required documents to the DED to obtain your trade license. The trade license is your official permission to conduct business in Dubai Mainland.

9. Register for Visas

Mainland companies can sponsor visas for employees, business partners, and dependents. As a small business owner, this allows you to hire staff and bring family members to the UAE.

10. Open a Corporate Bank Account

Finally, open a business bank account in the UAE to manage your company’s financial transactions. Choose a bank that offers services tailored to small businesses.

Cost of Starting a Small Business in Dubai Mainland

The cost of Mainland Company Formation depends on factors like your business activity, office location, and the number of visas required. Typical expenses include:

Trade license fees

Office space rental costs

Notarization and document preparation

Visa processing fees

It’s a good idea to consult a business setup expert to get a clear estimate tailored to your needs.

Benefits of Mainland Company Formation for Small Businesses

Flexibility: Operate freely across the UAE without restrictions on location or market access.

Opportunities for Growth: Expand your business by opening branches or scaling operations.

Networking Potential: Collaborate with local businesses, government entities, and international clients.

Ease of Setup: Dubai’s business-friendly policies make it easy for small businesses to establish themselves.

Tips for a Successful Business Setup

Plan Ahead: Research your business activity and market demand before starting.

Stay Compliant: Ensure your business meets all legal and regulatory requirements.

Seek Expert Help: Hire a business setup consultant to guide you through the process and save time.

Focus on Branding: Build a strong brand identity to stand out in Dubai’s competitive market.

Final Thoughts

Starting a small business in Dubai Mainland is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the UAE’s thriving economy. With proper planning and understanding of Mainland Company Formation, the process can be smooth and hassle-free.

Whether you’re starting a consultancy, a retail shop, or a trading business, Dubai Mainland offers the flexibility, market access, and support you need to succeed. Take the first step today and turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality!

[legaltranslationservice]

Break down communication barriers and connect with the world through our professional language translation services

In such an increasingly interconnected world, effective communication cuts across borders, cultures, and languages. Whether you're a business trying to expand into new markets or an individual navigating legal documentation, the need for precise translation services has never been more crucial. The legal system suffers from issues of miscommunication, lost opportunities, and unintended consequences, for which the use of language can be blamed. Because in this field, accuracy is paramount and cannot be compromised on, our translation services, being professional in nature and with specialized experience in French, German, Italian, and Spanish translations, are provided.

The Importance of Reliable Legal Translation

Legal documents abound with jargons and mixed terminologies requiring not only language proficiency but also a deep understanding of the legal systems involved. A bad translation of negotiation contracts, drafting a will, or understanding how regulations from other countries are applied can have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, the ability to pick the right translation service, especially legal translation services, will make a difference.

French Legal Translation

International law will also see French as one of the prominent languages involved, mainly in Europe and most African countries. Our legal translation services are well tailored for lawyers dealing with different paperwork in the French language. From contracts to court documents, our professional translators will ensure that all the subtle implications are explained by them in order to give an accurate representation of what was actually intended to be conveyed through the words.

German Legal Translation Services DMCC

German legal translation services DMCC hold much significance for businesses looking to, or doing business with, the thriving German economy. Because of its unique legal system and special words, the German law can be quite confusing and hard to understand without proper translation. Our services enable clients to translate partnership agreements, corporate documents, among other general legal materials, into the very dictates of precision and culture tenderness, ensuring great engagement with these markets of the specific German-speaking world.

Italian Legal Translation

Italy's deep history in the law and being part of the EU require proper translation of most legal documents. Translating your papers with respect to real estate, family, or compliance matters, our Italian legal translation service ensures utmost care and contextual understanding do not go out of the window while carrying out the translation. It takes into cognizance the requirements of Italian legal standards while understanding that the aim is to stay compliant, broadening your horizons.

Legal translation in Spanish from Dubai to DMCC

With the rapid growth of Spanish-speaking markets all over the world, the need for Spanish legal translation in DMCC arises within organizations that would like to penetrate and excel in those regions. Our proficiency ranges from the translation of litigation documents, contracts, and legal notices-all designed by our team to be culturally and legally appropriate. Our focus on assisting clients to find their way through the mess of Spanish language includes accuracy, but respect for the source material as well as cultural context.

Breaking Down Barriers

Our objective for linguistic accuracy does not stop at translation alone. We strive to break down all types of communication barriers for our clients so that they can make effective connections and communicate. With our professional translation language services, businesses and individuals can be assured that their messages reach other countries straight and unambiguously.

Why Choose Our Services?

1. Specialization: Not only are our translators linguists but also legal experts, that is, legal terminology and systems knowledge.

2. Cultural awareness: Knowing the culture that lies within the language ensures that translations, though correct, are relevant and respectful to the target audience.

3. Confidentiality: We respect the privacy and confidentiality of your legal documents; thus sensitive information is treated with care.

4. Urgency: In law, time is literally of the essence. Fast but precise, our services do not compromise on deadlines and a somewhat much narrower life scope.

To business, the language of communication spells seal or breaks a deal. The same applies to even indispensable professional language translation services to your law matters. Whether it is French legal translation services or German legal translation services DMCC, Italian legal translation services or Spanish legal translation in DMCC, we come as a bridge to complete communication. Let us help you connect with the world free of language barriers and enhance your ability to thrive in a global marketplace. Contact us today to learn how we can be of assistance with your translation project.

[24global-news]

The Cashier in Dubai

Investigative report tracks tangled route for money flowing to offshore companies from Moldova.

Part One

Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc left his home country in 2019 to avoid corruption charges. But an investigation into his business affairs, supported by newspress24-blog, shows that money continued to flow into his pockets long after he fled.

Black Box Plus, the investigative show of Moldova’s independent Tv channel TV8, acquired documents showing that Plahotniuc profited from every document Moldova’s Public Services Agency (ASP) issued between 2014-2019. Black Box TV followed the traces left by the businessman Alexandru Vilcu and Vladimir Andronachi, a former lawmaker with the Democratic Party (PD).

Documents show that the money reached Plahotniuc via Garsų Pasaulis, the Lithuanian printing house that won the public procurements for supplying blank cards the ASP uses to issue Moldovan documents, including passports. The financial circuit leads to a network of offshore companies registered in Cyprus, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In the summer of 2020, the scheme Plahotniuc built over the years was taken over by two Bulgaria-registered companies that appeared overnight.

These companies were the identical financial offshore vehicles through which Plahotniuc, former leader of the PD, raised alleged dividends from the auctions organised by the state telecom company Moldtelecom, the purchase of electricity from the breakaway region of Transnistria, the public-private partnership for hemodialysis services and the so–called heist of one billion US dollars from the Moldovan banking system.

The Lithuanian UAB (an acronym of uždaroji akcine bendrove, or private limited company) started supplying blank cards for Moldovan passports following tenders in 2014 and 2017. The main beneficiary of the Garsu Pasaulis company is Albert Mario Karaziwan, a Belgian citizen who owns Semlex Europe, an identification document and biometric device production company whose business practices have come under scrutiny. The Syrian-Belgium businessman has been targeted in several countries in criminal corruption cases and journalistic investigations by Reuters and OCCRP.

In 2014, Moldova’s minister of information and communications technology was Plahotniuc’s fellow party member Pavel Filip. The CRIS Registru state enterprise which in 2017 was re-organised as ASP, was headed by Sergey Railean, godfather of Filip's older son.

Between 2014 and 2021, ASP transferred 59.5 million euros to the Garsu Pasaulis company "for raw material, blank cards and personalisation services," according to documents obtained by Black Box.

ASP also paid the Lithuanian company a royalty fee for software developed for Moldova and used on three types of documents. For example, the royalty fee for each passport issued was 13.61 euros (14.49 US dollars). On October 22, 2021, prosecutors opened a criminal case against nine people from the Public Services Agency “targeted in a criminal case of abuse of office”. Prosecutors estimated that the state lost around 41 million euros (43.6 million dollars) in the case.

A LONG AND TANGLED PATH

A note from the Moldovan service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering obtained by Black Box shows that more than 24 million euros (25.54 million dollars) did not stop in the company's accounts in Vilnius but ended up in Cyprus and the UAE.

“Of the 135 payments made throughout this period [2014-2019], I can tell you that the final beneficiary is obvious. At least, from what the criminal investigation bodies say, it is clear that the actual beneficiary is Vladimir Plahotniuc,” said ASP director Mircea Esanu.

Sergey Railean, the ASP former director under whose mandate the two contracts with Garsu Pasaulis were signed, said that he knew nothing about benefits for Plahotniuc.

"The tender took place according to the procedures. Therefore, nothing was outside the law," Railean said.

Told that Black Box reporters had established money transfers from Garsu Pasaulis to offshore companies affiliated with Plahotniuc, Railean was asked if he knew anything about it.

"No, absolutely not. Now it is a criminal case. The file must be completed after the trial,"he said. “[…] We did not order any software."

Railean added that ASP paid royalty fees to Garsu Pasaulis "because that was the contract".

On May 5, 2022 the Moldovan anti-corruption prosecutor's office announced that Railean had the status of accused in the so-called passport affair.

Filip, who held the post of prime minister in 2016-2019, did not answer the phone calls or requests for comment.

In May 2018, during a TV show broadcast by Prime, one of Plahotniuc's TV stations, Filip hinted that the state signed a more advantageous contract with Garsu Pasaulis than the previous one agreed in 2011 with a French company.

In 2011, Garsu Pasaulis had in fact tried to win a tender, but its application failed as it did not meet ASP’s criteria. A key condition was that applicants had experience manufacturing electronic passports for at least three European countries, as established by a decision of the Supreme Court of Justice. Garsu Pasaulis did not meet this requirement.

Garsu Pasaulis replied via e-mail that the company won the tenders and successfully delivered blank passport cards for ASP.

“As for the exact details of other commercial contracts, we cannot provide any details as confidentiality commitments bind us,” Andrius Lukosevicius, director of Garsu Pasaulis’ printing security department, wrote. “However, we can confirm that we have never had and do not currently have commercial or other relations with Mr Plahotniuc and [Romanian businesswoman] Mrs Ileana-Mihaela Burcea.”

The passport cash headed south, to the UAE firm Prime Union Solutions FZ LLC. Between January 1, 2018 and July 30, 2019 itreceived transfers for over 4.7 million euros ( five million dollars) from Garsu Pasaulis. The money continued to flow into Plahotniuc's coffers even after he fled Moldova in June 2019 when his name was linked to the disappearance of over a billion dollars - nearly one-eighth of Moldova's GDP - from the country's biggest banks between 2012 and 2014.

Employees at the Moldovan Money Laundering Prevention and Combating Service obtained information from their colleagues in Dubai and stated that the company's majority shareholders were the Romanian citizen Ileana-Mihaela Burcea and the company Inter Gnathonize Limited.

Between October 29, 2018, and July 30, 2019, a total of seven million euros (about 7.4 million dollars) were credited into Prime Union Solutions’ UAE bank account, largely sent from Garsu Pasaulis. The money then traveled to Burcea’s private account in UAE and six other offshore companies.

In liaison with UAE and Cyprus’ authorities, Moldova’s law enforcement agencies determined that Garsu Pasaulis transferred another 19.6 million euros (20.8 million dollars) to another Cyprus offshore company, Gnathonize Limited, also connected to Burcea.

The Cypriot firm opened a bank account in July 2014, four months after Garsu Pasaulis won the Moldova tender. The Lithuanian firm was the main contributor to the account until August 2018. After that, the money was transferred to the company Prime Union INC LTD in Hong Kong and marked as a "dividend payment".

[wideripples]

Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Dubai, known as the commercial hub of the UAE, offers immense opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. When it comes to establishing a business in Dubai, the mainland setup is one of the most popular options. It provides a direct route to the local market, offering flexibility and scope for growth. This guide covers the essential steps, benefits, and requirements for business setup in Dubai mainland.

What is a Mainland Company?

A mainland company in Dubai refers to a business licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Unlike free zones, mainland companies allow you to trade directly within the local market and internationally. Additionally, mainland businesses can bid on government contracts and tenders, which is a significant advantage in Dubai.

Why Choose Dubai Mainland for Your Business?

Choosing the mainland over free zones or offshore setups depends on your business goals. The flexibility to operate both locally and internationally and the ability to diversify services make the business setup in Dubai mainland an attractive choice. Some of the primary advantages include:

Access to the UAE Market: Mainland companies can trade freely within the UAE and have unlimited access to Dubai’s local market.

Ability to Open Multiple Branches: Mainland companies are allowed to establish multiple branches across the UAE.

No Restriction on Office Location: Unlike free zones, mainland companies are not limited to specific areas. You can choose any location in Dubai for your office setup.

Government Contracts: Mainland businesses can apply for government contracts, which are often lucrative and offer long-term stability.

No Minimum Capital Requirement: Most businesses can be established without needing a minimum share capital.

Steps to Start a Business in Dubai Mainland

Setting up a mainland business in Dubai requires several steps, but with the right guidance, the process can be straightforward.

1. Choose the Type of Business Activity

The first step is determining the type of business activity you want to engage in. The business setup in Dubai mainland allows for various activities, such as commercial, industrial, and professional services. It’s crucial to select the right one, as this decision affects your licensing requirements.

2. Select a Legal Structure

The next step is to decide on the legal structure for your company. The most common forms include:

Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the most preferred structure for those looking to operate locally. An LLC requires a local sponsor or partner.

Sole Establishment: This structure is ideal for individual entrepreneurs, especially those in professional services.

Branch of a Foreign Company: This option allows established foreign businesses to open a branch in Dubai.

3. Obtain Initial Approval

After deciding on your business type and legal structure, you’ll need to apply for initial approval from the DED. This approval allows you to proceed with the registration process.

4. Reserve a Trade Name

The next step in the business setup in Dubai mainland is reserving your trade name. This name should align with the nature of your business and must adhere to UAE regulations. Once approved, the trade name will be registered under your company.

5. Find a Local Sponsor

One of the key requirements for an LLC setup in Dubai is the need for a local sponsor or partner. The local sponsor must hold 51% of the shares in the company, while the remaining 49% can be owned by the foreign investor. However, with recent changes in UAE business laws, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed in certain sectors, reducing the need for local sponsors in some cases.

6. Draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA)

To officially establish your company, you’ll need to draft and notarize a Memorandum of Association (MOA). This document outlines the company’s capital, shares, and responsibilities between partners.

7. Choose an Office Space

Every mainland business in Dubai must have a physical office location. This can be a rented office or a business center. The office space must meet the DED’s requirements for the type of business activity you’re involved in.

8. Submit Documents and Get a Business License

The final step in the business setup in Dubai mainland process is submitting all required documents to the DED. This includes the MOA, lease agreement for office space, and other relevant paperwork. After reviewing your submission, the DED will issue a trade license, officially allowing you to start your business operations.

Licensing Requirements for Mainland Companies

Mainland businesses in Dubai need to secure the correct type of trade license depending on their business activity. The three main categories of licenses are:

Commercial License: For companies engaged in trading activities, such as buying and selling goods.

Professional License: For individuals or companies offering professional services like consultancy or accounting.

Industrial License: For businesses involved in manufacturing or production.

Mainland Company Formation Costs

The cost of business setup in Dubai mainland depends on several factors, such as the type of business activity, location, and additional services like hiring employees or renting office space. On average, expect to pay between AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 for the initial setup. This includes the cost of licensing, office rental, and sponsor fees (if applicable).

Some additional costs may include:

Visa Costs: Mainland companies can sponsor visas for employees, with costs ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per visa.

Office Rental: Prices for office space in Dubai vary depending on the location, with costs typically starting from AED 20,000 annually.

Professional Fees: You may incur fees for legal services, document processing, and business consultancy.

Key Benefits of Dubai Mainland Business Setup

Flexibility in Business Expansion: Mainland companies can expand their operations both locally and internationally without any geographical restrictions.

No Currency Restrictions: Unlike other jurisdictions, there are no restrictions on currency exchange for mainland businesses, making international transactions seamless.

Visa Eligibility: Mainland businesses are eligible to apply for investor, partner, and employment visas. The number of visas depends on the size of the office space and company structure.

FAQs on Dubai Mainland Business Setup

1. Can I own 100% of my mainland business?

Yes, recent reforms allow for 100% foreign ownership in certain sectors, eliminating the need for a local sponsor. However, industries like defense and oil may still require a local partner.

2. How long does it take to set up a mainland company in Dubai?

The process usually takes between 5 to 7 working days, provided all documents are in order.

3. What is the minimum capital required for a mainland company?

For most businesses, there is no minimum capital requirement. However, some activities may have specific capital needs based on regulations.

4. Do I need office space to register my company?

Yes, a physical office is mandatory for mainland businesses in Dubai.

Conclusion

The business setup in Dubai mainland provides a robust framework for growth and expansion in the UAE market. From unrestricted trade opportunities to lucrative government contracts, the benefits are numerous. With the recent reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership in specific sectors, Dubai mainland is now more attractive than ever for foreign investors. By following the outlined steps and ensuring compliance with local regulations, you can establish a thriving business in Dubai. Whether you’re looking to tap into the local market or expand globally, the mainland setup is a flexible and scalable solution for entrepreneurs of all kinds.

[hamdanalhammadi]

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Mainland License in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and it provides a promising climate for the business activity of many companies from all over the globe. A mainland license is essential to companies operating in the Emirate, as it gives the authorisation to undertake different business activities. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of obtaining a license for a mainland business setup in Dubai:

Mainland Licenses

A mainland license is obtained from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, which permits business activity in the mainland area of the Emirate. It offers access to the local market, government tenders, and international trade.

The Main Steps to Get a Mainland License

Step 1: Before you get a mainland license first, choose your business activity.

Find out the extent of specialisation of your business.

Take into consideration the type of licence, for example, a commercial, professional, or industrial licence, and so on.

Look into your market and competitors in the area of specialisation that you want to undertake.

Step 2: Select a legal structure.

Find out the legal structure of the business best suited for your company.

You can choose between a limited liability company (LLC), sole trader, or partnership.

Consider factors like ownership, legal responsibility, and taxation.

Step 3: Reserve your trade name.

Select a unique and memorable trade name for your business.

Make sure that it does not violate any DED regulation and has not been registered yet.

Make an application for a reservation to the DED.

Step 4: Secure a Local Service Agent (LSA)

An LSA might be required for some business operations.

An LSA is a UAE national who provides local support to your business by being a local partner.

Step 5: Obtain initial approval.

File the required documents with the DED for initial approval, such as the trade name reservation and the LSA agreement.

This approval means that your mainland business setup in Dubai is now legal.

Step 6: Get external approvals.

Depending on the nature of your business activity, you might require approval from other government departments, including the Ministry of Economy, Department of Health, or Dubai Municipality.

Step 7: Rent an office space.

Acquire your own space in the mainland area of Dubai.

Give the DED a tenancy contract and Ejari registration, a rental agreement registration system.

Step 8: Submit final documents and pay fees.

Upload the necessary paperwork, which includes the first approval, tenancy agreement, and other approvals if available.

A license fee is payable to the DED as per the applicable rates.

Step 9: Receive Your Mainland License:

After your application has been reviewed, and accepted, and fees have been paid, you will obtain your mainland license.

Additional Considerations

Here are a few more points to keep in mind:

If you are an investor from another country, look for immigration requirements that will allow you to set up a base in Dubai.

Learn the general and specific regulations and requirements that apply to the business activity.

It is advisable to seek the company formation services UAE of a business setup consultant to help in the process.

Conclusion

It is important for any business that has intentions of operating in the Emirate to apply for a mainland license in Dubai. If the above steps are followed and the requirements highlighted above are met, you can easily go through the process to obtain the authorisation to trade within the mainland of Dubai.

Do not forget to consult your legal advisor and do your homework to make sure that you follow all the rules and regulations and get the most out of your mainland license. 

[newspress24-blog]

The Cashier in Dubai

Investigative report tracks tangled route for money flowing to offshore companies from Moldova.

Part One

Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc left his home country in 2019 to avoid corruption charges. But an investigation into his business affairs, supported by newspress24-blog, shows that money continued to flow into his pockets long after he fled.

Black Box Plus, the investigative show of Moldova’s independent Tv channel TV8, acquired documents showing that Plahotniuc profited from every document Moldova’s Public Services Agency (ASP) issued between 2014-2019. Black Box TV followed the traces left by the businessman Alexandru Vilcu and Vladimir Andronachi, a former lawmaker with the Democratic Party (PD).

Documents show that the money reached Plahotniuc via Garsų Pasaulis, the Lithuanian printing house that won the public procurements for supplying blank cards the ASP uses to issue Moldovan documents, including passports. The financial circuit leads to a network of offshore companies registered in Cyprus, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In the summer of 2020, the scheme Plahotniuc built over the years was taken over by two Bulgaria-registered companies that appeared overnight.

These companies were the identical financial offshore vehicles through which Plahotniuc, former leader of the PD, raised alleged dividends from the auctions organised by the state telecom company Moldtelecom, the purchase of electricity from the breakaway region of Transnistria, the public-private partnership for hemodialysis services and the so–called heist of one billion US dollars from the Moldovan banking system.

The Lithuanian UAB (an acronym of uždaroji akcine bendrove, or private limited company) started supplying blank cards for Moldovan passports following tenders in 2014 and 2017. The main beneficiary of the Garsu Pasaulis company is Albert Mario Karaziwan, a Belgian citizen who owns Semlex Europe, an identification document and biometric device production company whose business practices have come under scrutiny. The Syrian-Belgium businessman has been targeted in several countries in criminal corruption cases and journalistic investigations by Reuters and OCCRP.

In 2014, Moldova’s minister of information and communications technology was Plahotniuc’s fellow party member Pavel Filip. The CRIS Registru state enterprise which in 2017 was re-organised as ASP, was headed by Sergey Railean, godfather of Filip's older son.

Between 2014 and 2021, ASP transferred 59.5 million euros to the Garsu Pasaulis company "for raw material, blank cards and personalisation services," according to documents obtained by Black Box.

ASP also paid the Lithuanian company a royalty fee for software developed for Moldova and used on three types of documents. For example, the royalty fee for each passport issued was 13.61 euros (14.49 US dollars). On October 22, 2021, prosecutors opened a criminal case against nine people from the Public Services Agency “targeted in a criminal case of abuse of office”. Prosecutors estimated that the state lost around 41 million euros (43.6 million dollars) in the case.

A LONG AND TANGLED PATH

A note from the Moldovan service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering obtained by Black Box shows that more than 24 million euros (25.54 million dollars) did not stop in the company's accounts in Vilnius but ended up in Cyprus and the UAE.

“Of the 135 payments made throughout this period [2014-2019], I can tell you that the final beneficiary is obvious. At least, from what the criminal investigation bodies say, it is clear that the actual beneficiary is Vladimir Plahotniuc,” said ASP director Mircea Esanu.

Sergey Railean, the ASP former director under whose mandate the two contracts with Garsu Pasaulis were signed, said that he knew nothing about benefits for Plahotniuc.

"The tender took place according to the procedures. Therefore, nothing was outside the law," Railean said.

Told that Black Box reporters had established money transfers from Garsu Pasaulis to offshore companies affiliated with Plahotniuc, Railean was asked if he knew anything about it.

"No, absolutely not. Now it is a criminal case. The file must be completed after the trial,"he said. “[…] We did not order any software."

Railean added that ASP paid royalty fees to Garsu Pasaulis "because that was the contract".

On May 5, 2022 the Moldovan anti-corruption prosecutor's office announced that Railean had the status of accused in the so-called passport affair.

Filip, who held the post of prime minister in 2016-2019, did not answer the phone calls or requests for comment.

In May 2018, during a TV show broadcast by Prime, one of Plahotniuc's TV stations, Filip hinted that the state signed a more advantageous contract with Garsu Pasaulis than the previous one agreed in 2011 with a French company.

In 2011, Garsu Pasaulis had in fact tried to win a tender, but its application failed as it did not meet ASP’s criteria. A key condition was that applicants had experience manufacturing electronic passports for at least three European countries, as established by a decision of the Supreme Court of Justice. Garsu Pasaulis did not meet this requirement.

Garsu Pasaulis replied via e-mail that the company won the tenders and successfully delivered blank passport cards for ASP.

“As for the exact details of other commercial contracts, we cannot provide any details as confidentiality commitments bind us,” Andrius Lukosevicius, director of Garsu Pasaulis’ printing security department, wrote. “However, we can confirm that we have never had and do not currently have commercial or other relations with Mr Plahotniuc and [Romanian businesswoman] Mrs Ileana-Mihaela Burcea.”

The passport cash headed south, to the UAE firm Prime Union Solutions FZ LLC. Between January 1, 2018 and July 30, 2019 itreceived transfers for over 4.7 million euros ( five million dollars) from Garsu Pasaulis. The money continued to flow into Plahotniuc's coffers even after he fled Moldova in June 2019 when his name was linked to the disappearance of over a billion dollars - nearly one-eighth of Moldova's GDP - from the country's biggest banks between 2012 and 2014.

Employees at the Moldovan Money Laundering Prevention and Combating Service obtained information from their colleagues in Dubai and stated that the company's majority shareholders were the Romanian citizen Ileana-Mihaela Burcea and the company Inter Gnathonize Limited.

Between October 29, 2018, and July 30, 2019, a total of seven million euros (about 7.4 million dollars) were credited into Prime Union Solutions’ UAE bank account, largely sent from Garsu Pasaulis. The money then traveled to Burcea’s private account in UAE and six other offshore companies.

In liaison with UAE and Cyprus’ authorities, Moldova’s law enforcement agencies determined that Garsu Pasaulis transferred another 19.6 million euros (20.8 million dollars) to another Cyprus offshore company, Gnathonize Limited, also connected to Burcea.

The Cypriot firm opened a bank account in July 2014, four months after Garsu Pasaulis won the Moldova tender. The Lithuanian firm was the main contributor to the account until August 2018. After that, the money was transferred to the company Prime Union INC LTD in Hong Kong and marked as a "dividend payment".

Part Two

Documents from the Hong Kong public registry show that Burcea was one of Prime Union’s shareholders and in 2014-2019 the director. In 2020, Burcea requested the closing of the company. In 2018, over 600,000 euros (639,000 dollars) were transferred from one of Prime Union’s bank accounts to another offshore in Gibraltar.

In addition, 1.5 million euros (1.6 million dollars) arrived in Burcea`s personal account in the UAE and almost 800,000 euros (852,600 dollars) were directed to Recon Business Data Service, a company registered in Dubai led by Burcea. The company was closed in December 2019.

Burcea’s lawyer Cristina Savulescu declined to comment on the financial transfers from Garsu Pasaulis to her client. She also did not comment on Burcea’s connection with Plahotniuc. Savulescu said that any association of her client with an alleged criminal case was damaging to her client's image.

"The judicial procedure in any criminal case, from the time of notification to the competent bodies until the time of sending a particular person to court, is non-public and confidential, meaning that third parties cannot know the content of the carried-out procedures," Savulescu said.

Documents obtained by Black Box with the support of the OCCRP network of investigative journalists show that Plahotniuc used the same infrastructure of offshore companies to take yet more funds out of Moldova.

The former politician used the offshore network for the money obtained from other auctions organised by state enterprises including Moldtelecom, Moldova’s largest telecommunication operator, gas supplier Energocom and the health ministry for dialysis-related services.

The UAE’s Recon Business Data Services, connected to Burcea, was also involved in the financial circuit of money leaked by Plahotniuc from another scheme related to Moldtelecom, concerning public tenders won by Bass Systems SRL in PD`s ruling period.

Between March 2017 to January 2019 the Chisinau-based IT company delivered technical equipment and services for Moldtelecom worth about 41 million euros (43.6 million dollars). Out of this amount, eight million euros (8.5 million dollars) and six million dollars followed the same route to the UAE through Recon Business Data Services.

OFFSHORE ACCOUNTS

Another document obtained from the Moldovan service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering shows that the Dubai-based company made several transactions to two offshores used by Plahotniuc: the UAE-based Vanguard International LTD and Vanguard International Group, registered in Samoa.

Both companies appeared in Plahotniuc's wealth statements in 2018. However, in the document submitted to Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission on the eve of the February 24, 2019 parliamentary elections, the oligarch declared 4.5 million euros (4.78 million dollars), over 11 million lei (around 585,000 dollars) and 347,000 dollars as dividends obtained from the Dubai-based Vanguard International Ltd.

Moldovan prosecutors established the origin of the money collected by Plahotniuc as "dividends".

Vanguard International LTD received 8.2 million euros (8.72 million dollars) and 2.5 million dollars from UAE-registered RECON SPC LIMITED from December 2017 to May 2019.

Burcea and another Romanian citizen, Silviu Tutuianu, were behind the company in different periods. Almost the entire amount came from the other similarly named firm, the Dubai-based Recon Business Data Service.

Plahotniuc also collected "dividends" worth 1.7 million euros (1.80 million dollars) and almost 350,000 US dollars through another offshore company, TGME INVESTMENTS SPC LTD, managed by Tutuianu.

All these companies were liquidated between the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, after Plahotniuc fled Moldova. The Moldovan anti-corruption prosecutor's office opened a case for the purchase of equipment and services by Moldtelecom from SRL Bass Systems. The prosecutors confirmed that Burcea was interviewed in this criminal case, but did not disclose her status.

Burcea also managed a company that benefited from transfers from Plahotniuc’s Cyprus-registered Asia Pacific Textile Limited. This had transactions with the Cypriot offshore Melopmania Limited, the founder of BB-Dializa, a company which managed the dialysis services for the Moldovan health ministry.

BB Dializa also benefited from legal services from Cyprus-registered Kinanis offshore, founded by Burcea. The company also provided secretarial and legal services for Assentis Holdings Limited, one of the founders of Bass Systems SRL.

Asia Pacific Textile LTD received money from the Energokapital shell company. Between 2014 and 2016, the firm was used by Plahotniuc and Evgheni Shevciuk, former leader of Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria, to sell the electricity produced by the Russian-owned Moldgres Power Plant to Moldovan consumers.

The Black Box team tracked Energokapital's connections with Plahotniuc and the involvement of former DP deputy Vladimir Andronachi in the company's management.

Moldova’s service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering established the connection between Burcea and two other offshore companies involved in looting a billion dollars from the country’s banking system: Sharp Prospects Limited and Lazomar Trading Limited, registered in Hong Kong and Cyprus respectively.

According to an international independent financial audit named the Kroll report, the Lazomar company received 5.6 million dollars in transfers to a Cypriot bank account. The Kroll report was commissioned by the National Bank of Moldova to investigate the theft that ravaged the country’s banking system.

Plahotniuc did not respond to requests for comment. His lawyer Lucian Rogac said that the former politician pleaded not guilty in the case generically called "blank passport cards".

"An indictment was presented to us. Other evidence to prove guilt was not shown by the prosecution. The only comment I can give you is that my client pleads not guilty to the charges," Rogac said.

In September 2022 Plahotniuc received an arrest warrant in absentia regarding the "blank passport cards" case, alongside Vladislav Zara, former director of the civil registry ASP, ex-PD deputy Andronachi and businessman Alexandru Vilcu. All of them have fled the country. According to Moldova’s ministry of justice, Plahotniuc is currently in Northern Cyprus.

[cost-consultancy]

Quantity Surveying in Dubai: A Key to Successful Construction Projects

Dubai has established itself as a global hub for real estate development and construction, with iconic buildings and infrastructure projects that are recognized worldwide. Behind the scenes of these impressive developments lies the crucial role of Quantity Surveying (QS) services. Quantity Surveying in Dubai has become a highly sought-after profession, playing a key role in managing the financial aspects of large-scale projects, ensuring cost efficiency, and supporting smooth project delivery. Several QS companies in Dubai are at the forefront of providing these services, contributing to the city’s continued success as a construction powerhouse.

Role of Quantity Surveying in Dubai’s Construction Industry

Quantity surveyors in Dubai are vital in overseeing construction costs and managing project budgets, particularly given the city's rapid urbanization and the demand for efficient construction solutions. QS professionals manage the cost planning, budgeting, procurement, and financial control aspects of a project, ensuring that it is delivered within the set financial limits while maintaining the required standards of quality and safety.

In Dubai, where construction is an integral part of the economy, quantity surveyors are involved from the early design phase through to the final stages of a project. Their role includes preparing cost estimates, managing tender documents, advising on contracts, and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. They also monitor the financial performance of the project throughout its lifecycle, making adjustments where necessary to prevent budget overruns.

Importance of QS Companies in Dubai

Dubai is home to numerous Quantity Surveying (QS) companies, many of which have gained international recognition for their work on high-profile projects. These companies offer a range of services to developers, contractors, and property owners, helping to control costs, mitigate financial risks, and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

The QS companies in Dubai bring valuable local expertise combined with global best practices, making them ideal partners for international investors and developers. They assist in both pre-construction and post-construction phases, from initial cost planning to final account settlement, ensuring that the financial management of a project is transparent, efficient, and well-structured.

Some of the key services offered by QS companies in Dubai include:

Cost Planning and Estimating: QS professionals provide detailed cost plans and estimates during the early stages of a project, helping clients understand the financial implications of different design options.

Tender Management: They prepare tender documents and manage the procurement process, ensuring that contractors are selected based on accurate pricing and terms.

Contract Administration: QS firms offer advice on contract selection and management, helping to navigate complex legal and financial aspects, reducing the risk of disputes.

Value Engineering: This involves finding ways to reduce costs without compromising the quality or functionality of the project, helping clients maximize value from their investments.

Cost Control: Throughout the construction phase, quantity surveyors monitor expenditures and adjust budgets to avoid cost overruns, ensuring the financial health of the project.

Key QS Companies in Dubai

Several QS companies in Dubai have developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality cost management services. Some of these include:

AECOM: A global player in infrastructure and real estate, AECOM has a strong presence in Dubai, providing a wide range of services, including cost consultancy and quantity surveying. Their expertise covers large-scale projects such as airports, residential towers, and commercial developments.

Arcadis: Arcadis is known for its innovative approach to construction consultancy, offering cost management, risk analysis, and procurement services. Their work on several high-profile projects in Dubai has cemented their reputation as a trusted QS provider.

Faithful+Gould: Operating as part of the Atkins group, Faithful+Gould offers extensive QS and project management services. Their focus on sustainability and value-driven solutions makes them a preferred partner for many developers in Dubai.

Turner & Townsend: With a focus on cost control and project management, Turner & Townsend have been involved in several iconic projects in Dubai. Their local knowledge and global experience allow them to deliver tailored services to meet client needs.

Challenges and Opportunities in Dubai's Quantity Surveying Market

While the QS industry in Dubai presents numerous opportunities, it also faces several challenges. The construction sector in Dubai is highly competitive, and QS companies must constantly innovate to offer value-added services. The fast pace of construction in Dubai also requires quantity surveyors to work efficiently under tight deadlines, while managing cost fluctuations due to market changes.

Another challenge is the increasing focus on sustainability in Dubai's construction projects. With growing environmental concerns, QS professionals must factor in sustainable building practices and materials into their cost planning, which can sometimes lead to increased upfront costs but long-term savings and environmental benefits.

Conclusion

The role of Quantity Surveying in Dubai’s construction industry cannot be overstated. As the city continues to grow, QS companies play a critical role in ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability. By providing essential cost management services, QS companies contribute to the success of Dubai’s construction projects, making them an integral part of the city’s development story. Their expertise helps mitigate financial risks, ensuring that Dubai remains a hub for innovation and excellence in construction.

[icvcertificateconsultants]

How to Easily Obtain an ICV Certificate: A Step-by-Step Guide

The In-Country Value Certificate has become a critical asset for businesses operating in the UAE. Designed to promote local investment and economic development, the ICV Certificate reflects a company’s contribution to the local economy. Companies with a high in country value certificate score gain a competitive edge in securing government contracts and tenders. If you’re looking to obtain an ICV Certificate, follow these steps to make the process smooth and straightforward.

Step 1: Understand the ICV Program

Before starting the application process, it’s essential to understand the ICV program’s objectives and requirements. The program aims to:

Increase the use of local goods and services.

Create job opportunities for UAE nationals.

Promote local manufacturing and business growth.

Familiarize yourself with the icv certificate guidelines and scoring criteria, which evaluate factors such as local procurement, investment in UAE-based assets, and Emiratization.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

Gather all necessary documentation that reflects your company’s operations in the UAE. This includes:

Financial statements audited by a UAE-licensed auditor.

Procurement records detailing local purchases.

Employment records highlighting the number of UAE nationals employed.

Information on any investments in local assets or facilities.

Having these documents ready will streamline the application process and ensure accuracy.

Step 3: Select an Authorized Certification Body

Choose an authorized ICV certification body to audit and verify your information.

Contact your chosen certification body to understand their specific requirements and fees.

Step 4: Complete the icv certificate registration Application Form

Fill out the ICV application form, which can be obtained from the certification body’s website or office. Ensure that all sections of the form are completed accurately, reflecting the data from your prepared documentation.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Submit the completed application form along with the required documentation to the selected certification body. This can usually be done online or in person. Ensure that you meet any deadlines or timelines specified by the certification body.

Step 6: Undergo the Audit Process

The icv certification bodies in uae will review your application and conduct an audit to verify the information provided. This may involve:

On-site visits to your company’s facilities.

Interviews with key personnel.

Detailed examination of your financial and operational records.

Be prepared to cooperate fully with the auditors to facilitate a smooth verification process.

Step 7: Receive Your ICV Certificate

Once the audit is successfully completed and your information is verified, the certification body will issue your ICV Certificate after icv certificate verification. This certificate will include your ICV score, which indicates your company’s contribution to the UAE economy.

Step 8: Use and Maintain Your ICV Certificate

Your ICV Certificate can now be used to enhance your company’s competitiveness in securing government contracts and tenders in Dubai and across the UAE. Ensure that you maintain accurate records and continue to adhere to ICV guidelines to support future renewals of your certificate.

Tips for a Smooth ICV Certification Process

Stay Organized: Keep all required documents and records well-organized to facilitate quick and accurate submissions.

Understand Scoring Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the ICV scoring criteria to optimize your score.

Choose the Right Certification Body: Select a reputable and authorized certification body to ensure a credible and efficient certification process.

Prepare for Audits: Be ready for detailed audits by maintaining transparency and accuracy in your records.

By following these steps, you can easily obtain your ICV Certificate and leverage it to boost your business’s growth and opportunities in the UAE.

[esgagile]

Extra benefits of ISO certification

As an ISO Consultancy in Agile Advisors, an ISO Certification guarantees that any product the company produces or sells satisfies international standards and that the business provides only the highest-caliber goods or services. Certification also assures the buyer that the good or service meets high standards of quality. The ISO logo elevates a product in the eyes of consumers, resulting in higher sales. Put another way, the certification is the simplest way to brand and market your products or services. One method for establishing organizational standards and paving the road for trade and innovation is the ISO certificate. These standards also guarantee that the company's goods and services fulfil legal and client criteria. It also shows ongoing improvement. These independent organizations will evaluate the business on ISO's behalf and determine its value.

We as an ISO Consultancy in Dubai, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-governmental, autonomous body that develops standards to guarantee the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of systems, services, and goods. Additionally, it attests to the fact that the production process, documentation process, manufacturing system, and service have all met standardization and quality assurance criteria. Numerous industries offer ISO certifications, ranging from risk management and medical equipment to energy management and social responsibility. Many companies are choosing to become certified to ISO 9001 because the standard helps them continuously improve their results and procedures and because it is an essential requirement for gaining new clients.

Agile Advisors provides ISO Consultancy, ISO certificates assist companies in reaching a worldwide clientele since they adhere to international standards. If ISO 9001 is applied under the proper legal direction, the certification will yield enormous benefits for a firm. These days, proposals and tenders from the government welcome offers from companies with ISO certification. Every ISO standard was developed to improve customer service. As a result, customer happiness rises, and recurring business happens after certification. Product flaws are appropriately discarded. Rejections of this kind are uncommon when international norms are followed. Because flawless operations are required by the ISO SOPs, corporate efficiency rises, improving the company's operations and functionality.

In our role as an ISO Consultancy in Dubai, A business's credibility is doubled with an ISO 9001 Certification, which is automatically reflected in product branding and marketing. With an ISO 9001 certification, your company or organization will become profitable and up to par with international standards. The company's performance will steadily improve, enabling it to offer clients services and goods that go above and beyond their expectations. This cycle will indirectly help the organization's overall satisfaction and morale. The second step is to locate the top ISO registrar who complies with CASCO standards and has ISO certification. The ISO body can obtain both IAF and non-IAF certifications. The presence of an IAF accreditation merely lends the certificate additional legitimacy; its absence has no bearing on the validity of the certification.

[rmlnewstimes]

The Cashier in Dubai

Investigative report tracks tangled route for money flowing to offshore companies from Moldova.

Part One

Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc left his home country in 2019 to avoid corruption charges. But an investigation into his business affairs, shows that money continued to flow into his pockets long after he fled.

Black Box Plus, the investigative show of Moldova’s independent Tv channel TV8, acquired documents showing that Plahotniuc profited from every document Moldova’s Public Services Agency (ASP) issued between 2014-2019. Black Box TV followed the traces left by the businessman Alexandru Vilcu and Vladimir Andronachi, a former lawmaker with the Democratic Party (PD).

Documents show that the money reached Plahotniuc via Garsų Pasaulis, the Lithuanian printing house that won the public procurements for supplying blank cards the ASP uses to issue Moldovan documents, including passports. The financial circuit leads to a network of offshore companies registered in Cyprus, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In the summer of 2020, the scheme Plahotniuc built over the years was taken over by two Bulgaria-registered companies that appeared overnight.

These companies were the identical financial offshore vehicles through which Plahotniuc, former leader of the PD, raised alleged dividends from the auctions organised by the state telecom company Moldtelecom, the purchase of electricity from the breakaway region of Transnistria, the public-private partnership for hemodialysis services and the so–called heist of one billion US dollars from the Moldovan banking system.

The Lithuanian UAB (an acronym of uždaroji akcine bendrove, or private limited company) started supplying blank cards for Moldovan passports following tenders in 2014 and 2017. The main beneficiary of the Garsu Pasaulis company is Albert Mario Karaziwan, a Belgian citizen who owns Semlex Europe, an identification document and biometric device production company whose business practices have come under scrutiny. The Syrian-Belgium businessman has been targeted in several countries in criminal corruption cases and journalistic investigations by Reuters and OCCRP.

In 2014, Moldova’s minister of information and communications technology was Plahotniuc’s fellow party member Pavel Filip. The CRIS Registru state enterprise which in 2017 was re-organised as ASP, was headed by Sergey Railean, godfather of Filip's older son.

Between 2014 and 2021, ASP transferred 59.5 million euros to the Garsu Pasaulis company "for raw material, blank cards and personalisation services," according to documents obtained by Black Box.

ASP also paid the Lithuanian company a royalty fee for software developed for Moldova and used on three types of documents. For example, the royalty fee for each passport issued was 13.61 euros (14.49 US dollars). On October 22, 2021, prosecutors opened a criminal case against nine people from the Public Services Agency “targeted in a criminal case of abuse of office”. Prosecutors estimated that the state lost around 41 million euros (43.6 million dollars) in the case.

A LONG AND TANGLED PATH

A note from the Moldovan service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering obtained by Black Box shows that more than 24 million euros (25.54 million dollars) did not stop in the company's accounts in Vilnius but ended up in Cyprus and the UAE.

“Of the 135 payments made throughout this period [2014-2019], I can tell you that the final beneficiary is obvious. At least, from what the criminal investigation bodies say, it is clear that the actual beneficiary is Vladimir Plahotniuc,” said ASP director Mircea Esanu.

Sergey Railean, the ASP former director under whose mandate the two contracts with Garsu Pasaulis were signed, said that he knew nothing about benefits for Plahotniuc.

"The tender took place according to the procedures. Therefore, nothing was outside the law," Railean said.

Told that Black Box reporters had established money transfers from Garsu Pasaulis to offshore companies affiliated with Plahotniuc, Railean was asked if he knew anything about it.

"No, absolutely not. Now it is a criminal case. The file must be completed after the trial,"he said. “[…] We did not order any software."

Railean added that ASP paid royalty fees to Garsu Pasaulis "because that was the contract".

On May 5, 2022 the Moldovan anti-corruption prosecutor's office announced that Railean had the status of accused in the so-called passport affair.

Filip, who held the post of prime minister in 2016-2019, did not answer the phone calls or requests for comment.

In May 2018, during a TV show broadcast by Prime, one of Plahotniuc's TV stations, Filip hinted that the state signed a more advantageous contract with Garsu Pasaulis than the previous one agreed in 2011 with a French company.

In 2011, Garsu Pasaulis had in fact tried to win a tender, but its application failed as it did not meet ASP’s criteria. A key condition was that applicants had experience manufacturing electronic passports for at least three European countries, as established by a decision of the Supreme Court of Justice. Garsu Pasaulis did not meet this requirement.

Garsu Pasaulis replied via e-mail that the company won the tenders and successfully delivered blank passport cards for ASP.

“As for the exact details of other commercial contracts, we cannot provide any details as confidentiality commitments bind us,” Andrius Lukosevicius, director of Garsu Pasaulis’ printing security department, wrote. “However, we can confirm that we have never had and do not currently have commercial or other relations with Mr Plahotniuc and [Romanian businesswoman] Mrs Ileana-Mihaela Burcea.”

The passport cash headed south, to the UAE firm Prime Union Solutions FZ LLC. Between January 1, 2018 and July 30, 2019 itreceived transfers for over 4.7 million euros ( five million dollars) from Garsu Pasaulis. The money continued to flow into Plahotniuc's coffers even after he fled Moldova in June 2019 when his name was linked to the disappearance of over a billion dollars - nearly one-eighth of Moldova's GDP - from the country's biggest banks between 2012 and 2014.

Employees at the Moldovan Money Laundering Prevention and Combating Service obtained information from their colleagues in Dubai and stated that the company's majority shareholders were the Romanian citizen Ileana-Mihaela Burcea and the company Inter Gnathonize Limited.

Between October 29, 2018, and July 30, 2019, a total of seven million euros (about 7.4 million dollars) were credited into Prime Union Solutions’ UAE bank account, largely sent from Garsu Pasaulis. The money then traveled to Burcea’s private account in UAE and six other offshore companies.

In liaison with UAE and Cyprus’ authorities, Moldova’s law enforcement agencies determined that Garsu Pasaulis transferred another 19.6 million euros (20.8 million dollars) to another Cyprus offshore company, Gnathonize Limited, also connected to Burcea.

The Cypriot firm opened a bank account in July 2014, four months after Garsu Pasaulis won the Moldova tender. The Lithuanian firm was the main contributor to the account until August 2018. After that, the money was transferred to the company Prime Union INC LTD in Hong Kong and marked as a "dividend payment".

Part Two

Documents from the Hong Kong public registry show that Burcea was one of Prime Union’s shareholders and in 2014-2019 the director. In 2020, Burcea requested the closing of the company. In 2018, over 600,000 euros (639,000 dollars) were transferred from one of Prime Union’s bank accounts to another offshore in Gibraltar.

In addition, 1.5 million euros (1.6 million dollars) arrived in Burcea`s personal account in the UAE and almost 800,000 euros (852,600 dollars) were directed to Recon Business Data Service, a company registered in Dubai led by Burcea. The company was closed in December 2019.

Burcea’s lawyer Cristina Savulescu declined to comment on the financial transfers from Garsu Pasaulis to her client. She also did not comment on Burcea’s connection with Plahotniuc. Savulescu said that any association of her client with an alleged criminal case was damaging to her client's image.

"The judicial procedure in any criminal case, from the time of notification to the competent bodies until the time of sending a particular person to court, is non-public and confidential, meaning that third parties cannot know the content of the carried-out procedures," Savulescu said.

Documents obtained by Black Box with the support of the OCCRP network of investigative journalists show that Plahotniuc used the same infrastructure of offshore companies to take yet more funds out of Moldova.

The former politician used the offshore network for the money obtained from other auctions organised by state enterprises including Moldtelecom, Moldova’s largest telecommunication operator, gas supplier Energocom and the health ministry for dialysis-related services.

The UAE’s Recon Business Data Services, connected to Burcea, was also involved in the financial circuit of money leaked by Plahotniuc from another scheme related to Moldtelecom, concerning public tenders won by Bass Systems SRL in PD`s ruling period.

Between March 2017 to January 2019 the Chisinau-based IT company delivered technical equipment and services for Moldtelecom worth about 41 million euros (43.6 million dollars). Out of this amount, eight million euros (8.5 million dollars) and six million dollars followed the same route to the UAE through Recon Business Data Services.

OFFSHORE ACCOUNTS

Another document obtained from the Moldovan service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering shows that the Dubai-based company made several transactions to two offshores used by Plahotniuc: the UAE-based Vanguard International LTD and Vanguard International Group, registered in Samoa.

Both companies appeared in Plahotniuc's wealth statements in 2018. However, in the document submitted to Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission on the eve of the February 24, 2019 parliamentary elections, the oligarch declared 4.5 million euros (4.78 million dollars), over 11 million lei (around 585,000 dollars) and 347,000 dollars as dividends obtained from the Dubai-based Vanguard International Ltd.

Moldovan prosecutors established the origin of the money collected by Plahotniuc as "dividends".

Vanguard International LTD received 8.2 million euros (8.72 million dollars) and 2.5 million dollars from UAE-registered RECON SPC LIMITED from December 2017 to May 2019.

Burcea and another Romanian citizen, Silviu Tutuianu, were behind the company in different periods. Almost the entire amount came from the other similarly named firm, the Dubai-based Recon Business Data Service.

Plahotniuc also collected "dividends" worth 1.7 million euros (1.80 million dollars) and almost 350,000 US dollars through another offshore company, TGME INVESTMENTS SPC LTD, managed by Tutuianu.

All these companies were liquidated between the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, after Plahotniuc fled Moldova. The Moldovan anti-corruption prosecutor's office opened a case for the purchase of equipment and services by Moldtelecom from SRL Bass Systems. The prosecutors confirmed that Burcea was interviewed in this criminal case, but did not disclose her status.

Burcea also managed a company that benefited from transfers from Plahotniuc’s Cyprus-registered Asia Pacific Textile Limited. This had transactions with the Cypriot offshore Melopmania Limited, the founder of BB-Dializa, a company which managed the dialysis services for the Moldovan health ministry.

BB Dializa also benefited from legal services from Cyprus-registered Kinanis offshore, founded by Burcea. The company also provided secretarial and legal services for Assentis Holdings Limited, one of the founders of Bass Systems SRL.

Asia Pacific Textile LTD received money from the Energokapital shell company. Between 2014 and 2016, the firm was used by Plahotniuc and Evgheni Shevciuk, former leader of Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria, to sell the electricity produced by the Russian-owned Moldgres Power Plant to Moldovan consumers.

The Black Box team tracked Energokapital's connections with Plahotniuc and the involvement of former DP deputy Vladimir Andronachi in the company's management.

Moldova’s service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering established the connection between Burcea and two other offshore companies involved in looting a billion dollars from the country’s banking system: Sharp Prospects Limited and Lazomar Trading Limited, registered in Hong Kong and Cyprus respectively.

According to an international independent financial audit named the Kroll report, the Lazomar company received 5.6 million dollars in transfers to a Cypriot bank account. The Kroll report was commissioned by the National Bank of Moldova to investigate the theft that ravaged the country’s banking system.

Plahotniuc did not respond to requests for comment. His lawyer Lucian Rogac said that the former politician pleaded not guilty in the case generically called "blank passport cards".

"An indictment was presented to us. Other evidence to prove guilt was not shown by the prosecution. The only comment I can give you is that my client pleads not guilty to the charges," Rogac said.

In September 2022 Plahotniuc received an arrest warrant in absentia regarding the "blank passport cards" case, alongside Vladislav Zara, former director of the civil registry ASP, ex-PD deputy Andronachi and businessman Alexandru Vilcu. All of them have fled the country. According to Moldova’s ministry of justice, Plahotniuc is currently in Northern Cyprus.

Part Three

The scheme was taken over in the summer of 2020 by two Bulgarian companies.

In May 2020, the Lithuanian company UAB Garsu Pasaulis transferred the right for using the blank cards software to Optimo Service Ltd in Bulgaria, which ASP had co-opted to manage the documents’ personalisation programme.

"ASP proposed to have a third party take over the maintenance of the software from us. At the same time, we received proposals for cooperation from Optimo in Bulgaria," Garsu Pasaulis’ executive Andrius Lukosevicius said in a statement.

"Therefore, we wanted to avoid having any direct relationship with Optimo. While ASP persisted with its complaints [about improper maintenance of the software], we proposed to the client [ASP] that it consider entering into an agreement with Optimo (without us being involved in such a relationship) whereby Optimo would take over the software from us and its maintenance. We would no longer be responsible for this," he concluded.

Headquartered in Sofia’s luxury district of Manastirski Livadi, Optimo Service Ltd was founded on November 27, 2019, half a year before taking over the right to manage the software from Garsu Pasaulis. The founder is Russian citizen Sergey Pirojkov, while the manager is Bulgarian citizen Tsvetan Stoyanov Dimitrov.

The Bivol Investigative Journalism Centre reporter in Bulgaria, one of Black Box's partners in this investigation, went to the company's headquarters to talk to the owners. According to the documents detailing the company’s address, the offices are on the top floor of a residential building, where a beauty salon is also located. There is no plaque indicating the presence in this location of businesses involving ASP and Garsu Pasaulis.

In November 2022, a Bivol reporter knocked on the door. An employee of the beauty salon opened it and said that at the end of the corridor there was an office where "two Russian guys are working on computers, Serioja and Anton". The two men "rarely come to work".

On October 26, 2020, Optimo Service transferred its commitments to ASP to another Bulgarian company, Optimo IT Solutions LTD, whose owner is none other than Stoyanov, Optimo Service’s manager.

Two weeks before this deal, Stoyanov bought an older company and changed its name to Optimo IT Solutions.

Almost two months after Stoianov’s take over, the ASP funds began to flow into the accounts of Optimo IT Solutions as royalty fees for delivering the IDs and passports

According to documents seen by the Black Box team, between November 24, 2020, and August 13, 2021, ASP made 19 payments totaling 5.6 million euros (5.96 million dollars), to the newly established Optimo IT Solutions LTD.

The director of ASP, Mircea Esanu, told Black Box about the shady software rights transfer to Bulgarian companies.

"I assume who is [the beneficiary of those companies]. I have yet to see documents demonstrating where the money went from those accounts of the Bulgarian companies. But for me, it is strange when a company, even a printing house, sells practically for free to a Bulgarian company created overnight and later collects 5.6 million euros (5.96 million dollars) for a year,” he said.

On the same day in November 2022, the Bivol reporter returned to Optimo IT Solutions’ offices in central Sofia, to talk to the company's owner. The office is in an old building and access to the courtyard is prohibited. Employees of the company providing the space for rent refused to grant allow the reporter inside the building. The accountant of the same company refused to give any details.

Black Box called Optimo IT Solutions headquarters to talk to Stoyanov. The company secretary said to send questions by e-mail, but reporters did not receive an answer.

NEW MANAGEMENT

Returning to the summer of 2020, Optimo Service took over the royalty scheme. One month after transferring the rights to the document personalisation software, the Bulgarian company decided to take a Moldovan partner to represent its interests with ASP.

The company wrote to ASP that IT-LAB GRUP SRL would manage the software. The connections led to the Moldovan businessman Alexandru Vilcu.

According to the letter sent to the ASP by the Bulgarian company, IT-LAB GRUP was to deal not only with the technical servicing of the software but to also manage the entire business administration process.

Furthermore, the Moldovan business would be allowed to hold the Optimo Service company stamp, sign documents, and receive and make payments on behalf of the Bulgarian enterprise.

In November 2022, the founder of IT-LAB GRUP, Alexey Cioban, told Black Box that he did not provide any services to ASP because he no longer cooperated with the Bulgarian company. He claims that he was contacted directly from Sofia but did not say with whom he negotiated.

"We had some discussions about a potential partnership. I also went to ASP, and we discussed concluding a contract, but [we did not], with neither ASP nor the Bulgarian company. We did not reach an agreement. We didn't do any work. We didn't get any money and wanted to avoid collaborating with this company [Optimo],” Cioban said. "We had to take care of the technical part, the software, and the equipment installed at ASP. I talked with ASP, found out more details, and said it differs from our line of work. We refused."

Documents however show that the partnership between Optimo Service and IT-LAB lasted half a year and their collaboration contract was terminated in January 2021.

Cioban's firm, delegated by the Bulgarians to defend their interests in Moldova, has its legal address in Chisinau’s Rascani neighbourhood. According to the land registry, the building in which IT-LAB operates belongs to Tehnovin, a machinery manufacturing company owned by Vilcu.

Cioban categorically denied he ever collaborated with Vilcu in the business of Moldova’s public service agency.

In an exchange of messages with Black Box, Vilcu admitted that he tried to arrange a partnership with the company from Bulgaria and proposed a collaboration with IT-LAB. This contradicts Cioban, who denied his partner's involvement in the ASP case.

"We tried with Alexei [Cioban] to partner with those from Lithuania, but after an analysis, Alexei understood that he would not be able to cope with this and refused. And there, believe me, there was no mention of the figures I read in the files and the press,” Vilcu said.

He added it was a "decent proposal for Moldova," about "tens of thousands, not millions".

In September 2020, Vilcu received an arrest warrant in absentia; he did not appear at the hearing as requested by prosecutors.

Vilcu denies allegations that he was one of the beneficiaries of the ASP scheme and claims he initiated his own investigation to find out who benefited from the money stolen from the passports.

"I want to assure you that I did not participate in this affair. I had nothing to do with passports or other documents from Moldova. I have never dealt with a business that is outside the law. I was less interested in the Bulgarian company. I was more interested in the documents based on which the criminal file was opened against me," Vilcu said.

MULTIPLE CONNECTIONS

Another character targeted in the passport blanks case was the former deputy Vladimir Andronachi.

The anti-corruption prosecutor's office has established connections between the Bulgarian companies Optimo Service and Optimo IT Solutions with Andronachi and relationships with businessman Alexandru Vilcu.

The prosecutor's office stated that it is verifying Andronachi and Vilcu’s involvement in the ASP scheme.

“We inform you that a preliminary link of connection has been established between these natural and legal persons, but the criminal prosecution body still verifies the factual circumstances of these links. In this sense, requests for rogatory commissions are to be formulated," the statement read.

An official source said that the connection between Andronachi and the companies in Bulgaria was ensured by his family’s lawyer, Carolina Andriuta, who allegedly managed the Bulgarian companies from Chisinau. Black Box reporters have not been able to independently verify these allegations.

The anti-corruption prosecutor's office confirmed that Andriuta is accused in the criminal case “for complicity in the abuse of office and money laundering” but stated that the investigation continues.

Andriuta managed several companies connected to Andronachi. Currently, she is on the accused bench in a case concerning bank fraud, together with Nadejda Andronachi, Vladimir Andronachi’s wife.

Oleg Mita, Vladimir Andronachi’s lawyer, who was recently detained in Ukraine and extradited to Moldova on November 2, 2022 did not respond to questions.

Andronachi remains in prison and Mita states that he pleads not guilty in the “passport affairs” case.

"Mr Andronachi had been officially charged in this case. But he does not admit his fault. He explained to the prosecutors that he knew nothing about such actions related to so-called passport forgery schemes," the lawyer said.

Mita is also Carolina Andriuta's lawyer. Mita claims that Andriuta was not accused and also pleaded not guilty.

Melvin Kramer

[informativearticlesforyou]

How to Identify Authentic Wagyu Steak: Tips for Buyers

Wagyu beef, renowned for its exceptional quality and luxurious taste, is a coveted delicacy among meat enthusiasts. However, the increasing popularity of Wagyu has also led to a rise in counterfeit products. To ensure you are getting the genuine article, it is crucial to identify authentic Wagyu steak. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore essential tips for buyers, ensuring you can confidently buy Wagyu steak and find the best Wagyu beef in Dubai.

Understanding Wagyu

Wagyu, meaning "Japanese cow," refers to four specific breeds of cattle: Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. These breeds are renowned for their superior marbling, contributing to Wagyu's unique tenderness, flavour, and juiciness. The intricate fat marbling enhances the taste and distinguishes Wagyu from other types of beef.

Check the Source and Certification

When you decide to buy Wagyu steak, the first step is to verify the source. Authentic Wagyu beef comes from Japan, although high-quality Wagyu is also produced in countries such as Australia and the United States. However, Japanese Wagyu remains the gold standard. Look for certifications such as the Japanese Meat Grading Association (JMGA) seal, which guarantees the beef's authenticity and quality.

Understand the Grading System

Wagyu beef is evaluated based on its marbling, colour, texture, and fat quality. The Japanese grading system ranges from C1 to A5, with A5 being the highest grade. The letter represents the yield grade, while the number indicates the quality grade. A5 Wagyu boasts the finest marbling, texture, and flavour. Familiarising yourself with this grading system helps you make an informed decision when you buy Wagyu steak.

Examine the Marbling

One of the hallmarks of authentic Wagyu beef is its marbling, which refers to the intramuscular fat interspersed within the meat. When you buy Wagyu steak, look for fine, evenly distributed marbling that appears like a delicate web of fat. This marbling is responsible for the beef's melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavour. The more extensive and intricate the marbling, the higher the quality of the Wagyu beef.

Inspect the Colour and Texture

Authentic Wagyu beef typically has a vibrant, cherry-red color with creamy white fat. The texture should be firm yet tender. When you buy Wagyu steak, ensure that the meat has a consistent colour and that the fat is evenly distributed. Avoid beef with a dull colour or an overly greasy appearance, as these indicate lower quality or counterfeit products.

Evaluate the Price and Availability

It is essential to recognize that authentic Wagyu beef is more expensive due to its exceptional quality and the meticulous care required. If you come across Wagyu steak at a meager price, be cautious, as it might be a counterfeit product. Additionally, consider the availability of beef. Genuine Wagyu is rare, so if it seems too easy to find, especially at a low price, it might not be authentic.

Buy from Reputable Sellers

When searching for the best Wagyu beef in Dubai, it is crucial to purchase from reputable sellers. Look for established butchers, gourmet stores, or high-end restaurants known for their quality products. Reputable sellers are more likely to provide detailed information about the beef's origin, breed, and grading. They can also offer insights into preparing and cooking your Wagyu steak to maximise its flavour and tenderness.

Ask for Documentation

Authentic Wagyu beef often comes with documentation that verifies its origin and grading. When you buy Wagyu steak, ask the seller for any available certifications or documentation. This might include information about the cattle's lineage, the farm where it was raised, and the grading assigned by the JMGA or other relevant authorities. Reputable sellers should have no problem providing this information to ensure you receive the best Wagyu beef.

Educate Yourself About Breeds

Different breeds of Wagyu cattle offer varying levels of quality and flavour profiles. Japanese Black (Kuroge Washu) is the most common breed known for its exceptional marbling. Japanese Brown (Akage Washu), Japanese Shorthorn (Nihon Tankaku Washu), and Japanese Polled (Mukaku Washu) each have unique characteristics. Understanding these breeds can help you make a more informed decision when you buy Wagyu steak, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your taste preferences.

Taste Test for Authenticity

If possible, perform a taste test. Authentic Wagyu beef should have a rich, buttery flavour and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The fat should impart a sweet, umami taste, and the meat should be incredibly tender. When you buy Wagyu steak, consider purchasing a small amount initially to sample its flavour and texture. You can verify its authenticity before committing to a more significant purchase.

Beware of Common Misconceptions

Several things that need to be clarified about beef can lead to clarity when you buy Wagyu steak. One common myth is that all Wagyu beef is Kobe beef. While Kobe is a variety of Wagyu, it originates from a specific region in Japan and follows strict quality standards. Not all Wagyu is Kobe, and not all Kobe beef is available outside Japan. Understanding these distinctions can help you avoid misleading marketing claims and get the best Wagyu beef in Dubai.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

When you buy Wagyu steak, it is essential to consider sustainability and ethical practices. Authentic Wagyu production involves meticulous care and humane treatment of cattle. Look for suppliers committed to sustainable farming practices, ensuring the beef you purchase is of the highest quality and ethically sourced. Supporting responsible producers helps maintain the integrity of Wagyu beef and promotes animal welfare.

Exploring the Best Wagyu Beef in Dubai

Dubai, renowned for its luxury and culinary excellence, provides numerous options for those searching for the finest Wagyu beef. Here are some tips for locating top-quality Wagyu in Dubai:

High-end restaurants: Many upscale restaurants in Dubai feature Wagyu beef. These establishments often source their meat from reputable suppliers, ensuring you get a genuine product.

Gourmet markets: Specialty food and gourmet stores in Dubai are excellent places to buy Wagyu steak. These markets typically provide detailed information about the beef's origin and grading.

Butchers: Seek out butchers known for their quality meats. Reputable butchers can offer guidance on selecting the best Wagyu beef and may even provide cooking tips to enhance your dining experience.

The Future of Wagyu Beef

The demand for Wagyu beef continues to grow, and with it, the importance of maintaining authenticity and quality. Advances in breeding, farming practices, and international trade regulations aim to ensure consumers can confidently buy Wagyu steak. As more people become educated about Wagyu, the industry will see even greater emphasis on transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices.

Conclusion

Identifying authentic Wagyu steak requires knowledge and attention to detail, but the effort is well worth it. By understanding the source, grading system, marbling, and other vital factors, you can confidently buy Wagyu steak and enjoy the unparalleled taste and texture that define this exceptional beef. Whether dining at one of Dubai's finest restaurants or purchasing from a trusted butcher, these tips will help you find the best Wagyu beef in Dubai. Embrace the experience and savour the luxurious delight of authentic Wagyu, knowing that you have made an informed and discerning choice.

[pazrexton88]

Indian-Canadian Ram Tumuluri’s company accused of corrupting Malta deputy premier’s official

Leaked documents show that a company linked to Sri Ram Tumuluri, the CEO of UK-based Causis Group, made several undeclared payments to a senior Maltese official.

A controversial Indian-Canadian businessman whose company has recently signed an Rs2,800-crore deal to supply e-buses to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is facing fresh allegations of corruption – involving Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne’s office.

Leaked documents show that a company linked to Sri Ram Tumuluri, the CEO of UK-based Causis Group, made several undeclared payments to a senior Maltese official. The payments are linked to a deal in 2015 when Sri Ram Tumuluri’s firm, Vitals Global Healthcare (VGH), won a privatization tender to manage three hospitals in Malta, despite having no relevant experience. The hospitals are St. Luke’s, Karin Grech, and Gozo.

The controversial takeover of Malta’s state hospitals has now taken an extraordinary further twist, with leaked banked transfers showing a series of suspicious payments to the chief political advisor of Malta’s health minister Chris Fearne.

Carmen Ciantar received a total of €443,500 Euros from Gozo International Medicare Ltd – part of the VGH group – in less than four months.

The money came from the firm’s account at the Dubai-headquartered Emirates NBD Bank. It then transferred a €750,000 “loan repayment” into an account at Bordier & Cie Geneva, a Swiss private bank, registered to a Panamanian entity, Glotal Finance Inc., which also referenced Ciantar.

The first of the initial payments, described as travel expenses reimbursements by Ciantar, came six weeks before VGH was granted a 30-year concession to run St. Luke’s, Karin Grech, and Gozo hospitals.

At the time of the transfers, Gozo International Medicare was one of several offshore companies at the heart of the complex secretive ownership structure of VGH. Transaction reference numbers provided in the leaked banking tranche indicate there were at least 15 invoices submitted to Gozo International Medicare by Ciantar – dating between October 6, 2015, and February 25, 2016.

Carmen Ciantar is listed on LinkedIn as CEO of Foundation for Medical Services, a government entity that manages public healthcare across Malta. In a statement on its official website, Ciantar states that the foundation has a “zero tolerance approach towards any form of bribery.” She is also his chief of staff at the health ministry but that role is unpaid.

She was first put on the public payroll as CEO of utility firm ARMS Ltd in 2013 by Fearne’s disgraced predecessor Konrad Mizzi.

Ciantar is one of Malta’s highest-paid officials after she was given a €163,000 Euros a year package by Fearne himself – in a process which the country’s auditor general described as “irregular.” In July 2017 it was revealed that Ciantar had been seen in the foundation’s offices since the previous May because she had been working full-time on Fearne’s election campaigns.

Fearne has repeatedly insisted he had nothing to do with the talks which led to Vitals Global Healthcare (VGH) taking over the running of the state hospitals. Fearne, who is now deputy prime minister, was parliamentary secretary of state for health in Mizzi’s ministry when VGH was granted the much-criticized 30-year concession on 30 November 2015.

A damning Maltese National Audit Office (NAO) report into the scandal supported Fearne’s version of events, revealing that neither the health secretariat nor the finance ministry was involved in the discussions.

In a subsequent Facebook post, Fearne said he was “absolutely not involved” in any of the reported pre-tender talks mentioned by the Auditor General.

“I did not even know about the existence of the Memorandum of Understanding,” Fearne added. The MoU was an agreement signed between the government of Malta and the shadowy businessmen behind Vitals Global Healthcare.

Konrad Mizzi, Fearne’s predecessor as health secretary, gave a different version of events. Mizzi, now an independent MP, claimed an evaluation committee had presented a report on the project to the cabinet, where ministers had given it the thumbs up.

“In fact, the cabinet was involved in every stage of the process and approved every contract that was signed,” he said.

There is no evidence to show that Fearne knew of the payments to his chief canvasser, but the sheer scale of the payments is certain to prompt calls for further investigation by opposition politicians.

In February this year, a Maltese judge ordered that the three hospitals be returned to public control, prompting independent MP Arnold Cassola to call for Mizzi and Malta’s former prime minister Joseph Muscat to be arraigned.

Lawyers acting for Sri Ram Tumuluri, former chief executive officer of Vitals Healthcare, have threatened legal action against The Shift, a Malta-based independent online news platform, for describing him as an “international scammer.”

“Tumuluri has been declared an international scammer and the main culprit in scams worth crores of rupees by Malta, Canada, and the European Union. Serious allegations have been leveled against him and the Supreme Court in Canada has also made serious declarations about him,” BJP MLA Ashish Shelar said during a debate in the Indian parliament about tendering for electric buses from Tumuluri’s London-based Causis E-Mobility company.

[wittipogliditika]

Malta Deputy PM’s Aide Resigns Amidst Allegations Of Receiving Undeclared Payments From Indian Businessman

Senior Malta government official Carmen Ciantar has stepped down after leaked documents revealed she had received several undeclared payments from a company linked to controversial Indian-Canadian businessman Sri Ram Tumuluri, the CEO of UK-based Causis Group.

The payments are linked to a deal in 2015 when Sri Ram Tumuluri’s firm, Vitals Global Healthcare (VGH), won a privatisation tender to manage three hospitals in Malta, St. Luke’s, Karin Grech and Gozo, despite having no relevant experience. The deal and Tumuluri’s failure to deliver on his commitments have been subject to intense scrutiny in Malta and in Europe.

Tumuluri, whose company recently signed a ₹2,800 crore (approx. €316 million) deal to supply e-buses to India’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), is facing fresh allegations of corruption in new leaked papers involving Malta's deputy prime minister Chris Fearne’s aide and senior government official Carmen Ciantar.

After leaked documents alleged that Ciantar had received several payments totalling €443,500 from Gozo International Medicare Ltd between October 2015 and February 2016 from Ram Tumuluri’s company, Ciantar initially refuted the allegations as “totally and absolutely untrue”.

However, within a couple of hours, deputy prime minister Chris Fearne’s office announced Ciantar had resigned in order to be able to defend herself. Ciantar said she was “suspending” herself, but claimed this was in no way an admission of guilt.

The dubious payments 

Investigations revealed that the chief political advisor of Malta’s health minister Chris Fearne received a total of €443,500 Euros from Gozo International Medicare Ltd – part of the Vital Global Healthcare (VGH) group – in less than four months from the firm’s account at the Dubai-headquartered Emirates NBD Bank. It then transferred a €750,000 “loan repayment” into an account at Bordier & Cie Geneva, a Swiss private bank, registered to a Panamanian entity, Glotal Finance Inc., which also referenced Ciantar.

The first of the payments, described as travel expenses reimbursements by Ciantar, came six weeks before VGH was granted a 30-year concession to run St. Luke’s, Karin Grech, and Gozo hospitals.

Transaction reference numbers provided in the leaked banking tranche indicate there were at least 15 invoices submitted to Gozo International Medicare by Ciantar – dating between October 6, 2015, and February 25, 2016.

Carmen Ciantar, Chris Fearne and Sri Ram Tumuluri 

Carmen Ciantar is listed on LinkedIn as CEO at Foundation for Medical Services (FMS), a government entity which manages public healthcare across Malta. At the time of the transfers, she was CEO of ARMS Ltd, government-owned utilities company that came under the remit of disgraced former minister of energy and health Konrad Mizzi. Mizzi was handed a travel ban by the US Government in December 2021 on account of his involvement in “significant corruption”.

Within a few months of the transfers, according to local daily the Times of Malta, she had gone to work as the head of Fearne’s election campaign – during which time he also appointed her CEO of FMS.

Fearne, who is now deputy prime minister, was parliamentary secretary state for health in Mizzi’s ministry when VGH was granted the much-criticised 30-year concession on 30 November 2015.

There is no evidence yet that suggests that Maltese deputy prime minister Chris Fearne knew of the payments to his chief canvasser, but the sheer scale of the payments is certain to prompt calls for further investigation by opposition politicians. Fearne has held senior positions in the administrations of both former premier Joseph Muscat and current prime minister Robert Abela, who he challenged for the leadership following Muscat’s resignation in 2020.

In February this year, a Maltese judge ordered that the three hospitals be returned to public control, prompting independent MP Arnold Cassola to demand that Mizzi and former Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat be arraigned.

“Tumuluri has been declared an international scammer and the main culprit in scams worth crores of rupees by Malta, Canada and the European Union. Serious allegations have been levelled against him and the Supreme Court in Canada has also made serious declarations about him,” BJP MLA Ashish Shelar said during a debate in the Indian parliament about tendering for electric buses from Tumuluri’s London-based Causis E-Mobility company.

[aurabusinessservices]

BANK GUARANTEE

Mitigate Business Risks with Aura Vision Advisors: Premier Bank Guarantee Services in Dubai. In the realm of business, risk is inherent. This is why savvy trade partners turn to bank guarantees for ensuring the security of negotiated transactions. If you’re in need of a reliable bank guarantee, look no further – Aura Vision Advisors is here to provide top-notch services in Dubai. Essentially functioning like a loan system, a bank guarantee offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional loans. In this scenario, banks levy a fixed fee, often a percentage of the transaction amount. Dubai’s bank guarantee providers, such as Aura Vision Advisors, hold particular allure, actively diminishing the potential risks associated with financial transactions. They play a pivotal role in ensuring the complete fulfilment of contractual obligations, safeguarding the integrity of your business agreements. The Entities Involved In A Bank Guarantee Include: Beneficiary: A legal or natural customer initiating the payment request and receiving the payment amount from the bank. Principal: The entity responsible for issuing the bank guarantee. Guarantor: A financial institution that, upon receiving a payment request, promptly undertakes the obligation to pay the specified amount to the person outlined in the contract. A bank guarantee proves beneficial not only for business owners but also for banks. Unlike loans, immediate economic coverage is not required. Additionally, payments associated with guarantees may be delayed or deemed unnecessary. When providing this guarantee, a compulsory commission fee is charged in full. Our perspective suggests consulting with professional bank guarantee providers in Dubai, experienced in navigating this process. TYPES OF BANK GUARANTEES IN DUBAI Payment Guarantee: Payment Guarantee ensures timely payment for provided goods or services. The benefit is it provides financial security to the beneficiary, ensuring compensation for delivered products or services. Tender Guarantee: Tender Guarantee ensures the fulfilment of payment requirements if the successful tenderer refuses cooperation (e.g., cancels the application or does not sign an agreement). The benefit is it safeguards the interests of the party issuing the tender against potential non-compliance by the successful bidder. Tax and Customs Guarantees: Tax and Customs Guarantees ensure the performance of obligations to customs and tax officials in the United Arab Emirates. The benefit is it demonstrates compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, providing assurance to authorities. Advance Payment Guarantee: Advance Payment Guarantee guarantees the refund of advance payment if transaction terms and conditions are not met concerning time and volume. The benefit is it mitigates the risk for the party making an advance payment, ensuring a refund if agreed conditions are not fulfilled. Performance Guarantee: Performance Guarantee provides assurance for the complete and timely delivery of services, works, and commodities. The benefit is it enhances trust between contracting parties by ensuring the satisfactory completion of agreed-upon tasks. Conditional and Unconditional Guarantee: Conditional Guarantee involves payment upon the beneficiary’s written request and the availability of confirming documents. Non-conditional Guarantee implies a direct and immediate obligation for payment without additional requirements. The benefit is it offers flexibility in financial arrangements, allowing parties to choose guarantees based on specific transaction needs.

[icvcertificate]

Accelerate Growth of Dubai Business: Obtain ICV Compliance Quickly

Overall, ICV certification plays a crucial role in promoting economic development and local participation in UAE business landscape. Businesses that prioritize ICV compliance can unlock significant growth opportunities and establish themselves as valuable partners within the UAE. 

What are the reasons for prioritizing ICV compliance in Dubai? 

In Dubai's fast-paced corporate environment, velocity is frequently a crucial element for achieving success. The identical idea is applicable while striving to achieve ICV compliance. Obtaining ICV certification has many advantages, but expediting the procedure gives a notable competitive advantage. Here's why expediting the ICV certification process can significantly benefit your business in Dubai: 

Capitalize on profitable opportunities at an earlier stage: 

Dubai possesses a prosperous economy driven by government projects and tenders. Nevertheless, engagement in these bidding processes is frequently limited to enterprises who adhere to ICV regulations. By expediting the process of obtaining your ICV certification, you will promptly get access to a broader range of potentially profitable business prospects. Envision obtaining a government contract that is perfectly suited to your expertise, which has the potential to significantly accelerate the growth of your organization. However, if the company does not have ICV certification, another company that places a higher emphasis on the procedure may seize that chance. Ensure that you do not miss out on significant opportunities by expediting your ICV compliance and positioning yourself for success.  Maintain a Competitive Edge:  The Dubai market is highly competitive. Businesses are continuously competing for a larger portion of the market and the interest of potential customers. Obtaining ICV certification showcases your dedication to promoting the local economy and nurturing Emirati talent. This results in a significant advantage, distinguishing you from competitors who have not yet achieved ICV certification. When potential clients or partners assess their alternatives, a company that is complying with ICV (In-Country Value) standards automatically receives an increase in credibility. Accelerating the process enables you to demonstrate your commitment to the UAE market at an earlier stage, providing you with a distinct edge in gaining new clients and establishing valuable alliances.  Optimize Your ICV Progress (If Relevant):  The standard ICV certification procedure typically entails several stages, which include submitting an application, verifying documents, and conducting an assessment. The duration of the process can vary, although it is not unusual for it to last many weeks. Nevertheless, by giving priority to fast-tracking, you can utilize tactics to enhance the efficiency of each stage. This may need collaborating with ICV experts (if your service provides this) who have the proficiency to optimize the application process, anticipate possible obstacles, and ensure that all required documentation is thorough and precise from the beginning. In addition, these consultants can provide guidance on effectively meeting ICV standards, which may help speed up the whole certification process. 

Steps to Expedite ICV Compliance in Dubai 

Now that you understand the persuasive justifications for expediting ICV compliance in Dubai, let's explore practical measures to accelerate the process and attain ICV certification efficiently:  Simplifying the Application Process:  - Preparation is crucial: Thorough planning is essential for a smooth application procedure. Collect all essential paperwork well ahead of time, including business licenses, trade permits, and financial records. Familiarize yourself with the precise ICV (In-Country Value) requirements and ensure you possess the necessary documentation to verify your company's adherence to those requirements.  - Minimizing congestion: Insufficient applications contribute to delays. Thoroughly verify all forms for precision and ensure they are fully completed. Examine the list of necessary papers and submit them all at once to prevent the need for repeated communication with the authorities.  - Function of ICV Consultants (Optional): Consider partnering with ICV experts who specialize in guiding the certification process. They can offer significant counsel on precisely completing the application, ensuring all prerequisites are fulfilled, and potentially accelerating the review process (if applicable to your service). 

Efficiently Meeting ICV Requirements: 

Essential ICV Needs: Acquaint yourself with the fundamental ICV requirements, including:  - Local Workforce: Display a commitment to employing and educating Emirati personnel. Create a well-defined recruitment plan emphasizing attracting and retaining talent from the local area.  - Local Procurement: Give priority to obtaining materials and services from suppliers in the immediate vicinity. Conduct thorough research and build relationships with vendors based in the United Arab Emirates to meet procurement requirements.  - Demonstrate your dedication to the local economy by emphasizing any investments made in the UAE or training initiatives provided to Emirati personnel. 

Strategies for Maximizing Efficiency: 

- Recruitment Strategies: Collaborate with regional recruitment companies specializing in placing Emirati individuals. Participate in career fairs specifically aimed at Emirati grads.  - Regional Vendors: Use online directories and government tools to locate competent local vendors for the supplies and services you need.  - Programs for Training: Create specialized training programs to enhance the skills of your current workforce, with a specific emphasis on personnel from the United Arab Emirates. 

Obstacles and Resolutions (if applicable): 

- Enumerate prevalent obstacles firms face when meeting ICV regulations, including the scarcity of skilled Emirati labor and difficulty in locating appropriate local suppliers.  - Suggest possible remedies, such as collaborating with educational institutions to enhance the acquisition of specialized skills or participating in government programs that encourage local purchasing. 

Utilizing Existing Resources Effectively: 

The Dubai government provides a range of resources to support firms in meeting ICV compliance requirements. Discover online platforms and software specifically developed to assist businesses in navigating the application process, providing answers to inquiries, and even speeding up the application procedure.  These resources offer valuable information, training materials, and help during the ICV certification process. Employing them can greatly enhance your productivity and comprehension of the specifications.  To expedite your ICV compliance journey, carefully follow these procedures and strategically utilize the resources at your disposal. Keep in mind that obtaining ICV certification as soon as possible will allow you to access the various advantages it provides for the expansion of your business in Dubai. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

What is ICV certification?  ICV stands for In-Country Value. Dubai's ICV accreditation program evaluates a company's local economic impact, encouraging companies to buy locally, hire Emiratis, and invest in training and development.  Is ICV certification required for all Dubai businesses?  ICV certification is required for bidding on government and some private tenders. Many companies obtain ICV accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to the local economy and gain a competitive edge.  What are the ICV compliance fast-track benefits?  Fast-tracking ICV compliance offers the following advantages:  - Bid on government contracts faster.  - Maintain competitiveness in Dubai.  - Demonstrate commitment to the UAE economy.  - Explore new business prospects.  How long does ICV certification usually take?  The ICV certification timeline depends on your business's complexity and application completion. Fast-tracking may reduce the usual 2-4 week timeframe.  How can I accelerate Dubai ICV compliance?  To speed up the process, consider the following methods:  - Gather all required documentation.  - Seek advice from ICV consultants (optional).  - Effectively meet ICV standards, such as local recruitment and sourcing.  - Take advantage of government assistance.  What are common ICV certification challenges for businesses?  Businesses may face challenges such as delays from incomplete applications, difficulty meeting ICV criteria (e.g., local workforce quotas), and ignorance of assistance programs and resources.  Should I hire ICV consultants?  Businesses aiming to accelerate certification may benefit from ICV consultants. They offer experienced advice, streamline paperwork, and ensure all criteria are satisfied. Consider your company's ICV resources and experience before making a decision.  Read the full article