VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Procurement: Fraud

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 20592

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, HC521, of 16 July 2026, page 140, what was the type of procurement fraud found in 2025-26, and what programme did it relate to.

Answered by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

During 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office identified fraud relating to procurement activity in the East Africa region. The type of procurement fraud involved circumvention of procurement rules, inflated costs, over ordering stock and employee-contractor collusion. The matter related to embassy corporate services activity rather than a specific programme. Appropriate investigatory and disciplinary action has been taken.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim