Foreign Affairs Ministry bans alleged middleman after The Fourth Estate investigation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has banned an alleged middleman following an investigation by The Fourth Estate into irregularities surrounding attestation services at state institutions, according to officials. The Ministry praised The Fourth Estate's investigative work, emphasizing its commitment to good governance and public accountability.

However, it reiterates its zero-tolerance policy on middlemen and third-party facilitators involved in attestation document acquisition, stating that such individuals exploit vulnerable citizens. The Ministry condemned the actions of these unscrupulous middlemen and disclosed that the implicated individual is not a staff member of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

After the investigation, the individual was sanctioned by his institution and reported to law enforcement for further investigation and possible prosecution. The Ministry also barred the individual from its premises. The attestation process involves multiple institutions, and the Ministry has been working on reforms to strengthen coordination and improve integrity.

These reforms include introducing cashless and digital payment systems and developing digital platforms for the attestation process. The Ministry aims to reduce human interaction and opportunities for intermediaries to interfere in the process, similar to improvements made in Passport Administration. Citizens are warned against engaging middlemen, as it is strictly illegal.

To report information, enquiries, or complaints, the public can contact the Ministry via phone or email.