Reporting a misuse of power and fraud

Anonymous

October 5,2023 at 6:33AM UTC

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Reporting a misuse of power and fraud

I used to work for a developement project financed by an international organisation. After working there for about 6 months, I started noticing that my boss who was hired by the implementing NGO often uses discrimiating language towards the local employees and moreover often used the organisation´s funds in his personal interests. When I started mentioning that his behavior is not acceptable, he fired me. I had no energz to fight back. Now he is continuing to work in the same projects, in the same country and I just want to warn the last donor organisation on his behaviour. HOw do I do it?

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AnonymousOctober 5,2023 at 1:35PM UTC
Larger companies have a whistleblower hotline. I would suggest calling that.
AnonymousOctober 5,2023 at 10:13PM UTC
I agree to check if there is a whistleblower hotline (most large companies have them, especially NGOs and non-profits). Be aware that there could be some backlash. Since the company terminated you, it could be seen as wanting to get back at them. Ensure you let them know that it is the one person who is the problem and you have no problem with the company.
AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 12:37PM UTC
I’m an executive at an international development NGO and I sit on our ethics committee. My org would definitely want you to report this because we take fraud and abuse very seriously and the only way leadership knows about things like this is if employees report it. Our hotline allows anonymous reporting, and we investigate every complaint that comes in. That said, every org is different. If you don’t think your complaint will get heard inside the NGO, report it via the donor whistleblower hotline. They all have them, usually listed on their website. Good luck! You’re doing the right thing- I’m so sorry it cost you your job.
AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 3:27PM UTC
I had a similar situation where my boss was committing fraud against the company. I didn't directly report it but I did confide in someone who essentially went to HR. My boss was then put under investigation and the company's attorneys wanted to talk to me. I didn't want to be involved because I knew it would be the end for me, but I had no choice. My boss was fired and no charges where pressed against her. The person I confided in took her position ( that was the plan all along). That person hated my boss and would go to any lengths to get my bosses job. Six months later I was set up, put on a PIP and then let go. It was called "Mutual Agreed Separation" which it was not. I had been with the company for over 8 years. I was so distraught. Then to make matters worse I heard my the person was going around telling people that I left the company abruptly without notification. I was well liked and thriving at the company.
So I say all that to say, tread lightly on being the "hero". Not everyone has integrity.
AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 5:33PM UTC
Check your exit docs and see if there are clauses about disparagement as you do not want to walk into a lawsuit. Send a letter written by an attorney or worded as such to let the head of the organization know about his behavior and retaliation. If nothing is done report it to the local authorities and law enforcement. Be sure that you are up for a public part of your participation, because the blow back could hit your career as well. Good luck.
AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 1:09PM UTC
I had a similar situation at a non-profit organization. I made the mistake of assuming that the highest levels of leadership, to whom I reported, would be as concerned as I was about fraud- However, they were aware....and smiled to my face, and made my life miserable for 10 mos before giving me severance documents- "your position has been eliminated". Long story...but don't be a hero at the expense of your livelihood. I've spent the last 5 years trying to resurrect my career in a community where people know people. Being a whistleblower looks good in movies but in real life , it is a nightmare. You can get blacklisted. You've gotten some good advice here. If the NGO does have an anonymous tip line, perhaps you can use it. Tread very carefully....ask an attorney's opinion, in the least, and check your severance documents. Be careful. And thank you for being you...It's unfortunate that there is often a price to be paid for honesty.