Yemeni Officials Facing Court Over $180 Million Misuse

Yemen Government commits to fighting corruption, restoring trust with locals and donors (Government Media)

Yemen’s Public Prosecutor has taken an unprecedented step by referring two Aden Refinery officials to the Public Funds Court in Aden on charges of corruption and wasting $180 million.
The officials, identified as (M.A.A.) and (H.Y.S.), are accused of approving an unnecessary power station project for the refinery without proper feasibility studies. Prosecutors allege they used their positions to strike a deal with a Chinese company, prioritizing personal interests over public funds.
No further details were immediately available.
Yemen’s Public Prosecutor said the proposed power station project at the Aden Refinery was unnecessary and financially burdensome, violating the country’s penal laws.
The prosecutor stressed that the legal action is part of efforts to fight corruption and prevent financial abuses in public institutions. The case has attracted significant attention due to the refinery’s importance as a major asset in Yemen’s oil and energy sectors.
After gathering evidence, the prosecutor’s office referred the case to the Public Funds Court, aiming to ensure accountability.
The court is expected to begin hearings soon, and the outcome could influence future policies at the Aden Refinery, as well as its financial and administrative oversight.
Yemen’s international donors have urged the government to take action against corruption and implement reforms in public budgeting, revenue management, and administrative processes.
These steps are required for continued financial support to Yemen’s national budget, as the country struggles with the ongoing blockade by Houthi militants, which has halted oil exports for two years, cutting off the main source of foreign currency.