Thursday, May 03, 2007

Integrity of Iraq Inspector General Bowen investigated by White House following his critical reports on Iraq reconstruction

Among the many abuses uncovered by Mr. Bowen: this $1 million building for the Mosul police headquarters was supposed to contain 10 showers, 12 toilets, 10 urinals, 10 sinks and a changing room.

The inspector general who uncovered cases of waste, fraud and abuse in the U.S.-led reconstruction effort in Iraq is under investigation by a presidential panel, according to the White House.

Stuart W. Bowen Jr., the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, is under investigation after complaints were made by former employees about his work habits and work he required employees to perform. The investigation is headed by the integrity committee of the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency, which is made up of inspectors general appointed by the president...

"Allegations have been made about Inspector General Bowen, and the integrity committee is investigating them to determine the validity of them," the council's chairman, Clay Johnson III, said yesterday. Johnson is also deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget.

Bowen monitors the spending of $22 billion appropriated by Congress for Iraq relief and reconstruction. His office provides quarterly reports on the program and lists any fraud or abuse found by investigators.

Read the rest at the Washington Post

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