Suspicions of embezzlement: 10 STEG employees taken into custody

The Tunisian justice system has ordered the custody of more than ten workers and agents of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) regional agency in Ez-Zahra and Hammam-Lif, in the governorate of Ben Arous.

According to a judicial source reported by Mosaique FM, the latter is accused of embezzling funds intended for the company’s revenues.

An investigation into a shortfall of 650,000 dinars
Following anomalies reported in the revenues of the STEG regional agency in Ez-Zahra and Hammam-Lif, the anti-crime brigade of the Ben Arous National Guard was tasked by the prosecution to open an in-depth investigation.

Initial inquiries revealed a deficit estimated at more than 650,000 dinars, missing from revenues collected from STEG customers. The first results point to fraudulent manipulations involving more than ten regional agency employees.

The suspects allegedly employed sophisticated technical means to embezzle funds deposited by STEG customers. The latter was intended for the company’s official revenues, but the employees concerned allegedly redirected them for personal purposes.

Next judicial step
The persons placed in police custody will be presented this Friday, December 13, 2024, before the prosecutor’s office of the Ben Arous Court of First Instance. Following the interrogations and the conclusions of the investigations, the public prosecutor will decide on the legal follow-up to be given to this case.

Impact on STEG’s image
This embezzlement case has shaken the image of STEG, a fundamental public company in the Tunisian economic landscape. It also raises questions about internal control mechanisms and the management of public funds within the organisation.

The ongoing investigation will explain the responsibilities of each party and determine the measures necessary to prevent the repetition of such fraudulent practices.