On May 14, 2024, the World Bank announced the 30-month debarment of Jordan-based engineering and consulting company Marseille for Engineering & Trading S.A.L. Offshore, for engaging in a “sanctionable practice” in connection with the Emergency Operation for Development Project in Iraq (the “Project”). According to the World Bank, Marseille was debarred for offering payments to improperly slant the Project’s bid selection process in Marseille’s favor. Marseille also allegedly solicited a portion of the improper payments from its joint venture partner.
Marseille will be ineligible to participate in World Bank-financed operations and projects throughout the debarment period. The World Bank stated that Marseille received a reduced period of debarment for its acknowledgement of the misconduct and its agreement to “meet specified corporate compliance conditions as a condition for release from debarment.” As part of this agreement, the company agreed to implement an integrity compliance program in accordance with the World Bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines and to continue to cooperate fully with World Bank investigators.