By Ron Rocky Coloma
Guam Del James C. Moylan, Hawaii Rep. Ed Case and CNMI Rep. Gregorio Sablan wrote to Inspector General Robert Storch, urging increased anti-fraud measures in the Indo-Pacific region.
The letter dated July 24 highlights the critical need for stringent oversight as the Department of Defense spending in this strategic area continues to grow.
The U.S. territories and affiliated island nations including Guam, the CNMI, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, are set to receive billions of dollars in military and infrastructure investments.
These investments encompass $7.3 billion in planned military construction on Guam, $500 million in airport improvements in the FSM , $120 million for a new U.S. Air Force radar station in Palau, and hundreds of millions for fuel tanks in the Marshall Islands.
The letter underscores the importance of anti-fraud measures to protect these significant investments.
The three House members expressed concern over the potential fraud risks associated with such substantial spending, especially in regions not accustomed to U.S. standards of accountability.
“While Guam has been heavily invested in military construction activity for years, it is vital for the DoDIG to not just enhance fraud awareness training, but also increase the presence of investigators and auditors in Guam,” Moylan said.
“This is critical to minimize or deter any illicit activity, as the investment levels are just growing, and soon, there will be discussions in a supplemental measure that will consider billions more on Mawar-related damages within the installations," he added.
Currently, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service has a limited presence in the Pacific islands, with agents primarily operating out of South Korea and traveling to Guam and nearby islands as needed. This limited presence poses challenges for effective oversight and fraud prevention.
In their letter, the congressmen requested detailed responses to several questions by Aug. 30.
They seek to understand the potential fraud risks identified by the Department of Defense Inspector General in the Pacific Islands, the efforts taken to mitigate these risks, and the frequency and locations of fraud awareness training conducted in the region over the past five years.
Additionally, the letter inquires about partnerships between the IG and local law enforcement officials and whether there has been any analysis into the need for permanently assigning investigative agents to the region.
The congressmen emphasize the importance of safeguarding taxpayer funds and ensuring accountability as the Department of Defense increases its investments in the Indo-Pacific region.
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