Forensic audit of INAI reveals irregularities amounting to 7.3 million pesos
A forensic audit by Mexico's Superior Audit Office revealed 7.3 million pesos in irregularities at the now-defunct National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI).
The forensic audit conducted by the Superior Audit Office of Mexico (ASF) on the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI), which ceased operations in 2024, uncovered irregularities totaling 7.3 million pesos. This audit marks the first and only forensic examination of the agency during its ten years of existence, emphasizing serious issues surrounding public officials' misconduct and corruption. The ASF released its findings in the third delivery of its report on the 2024 fiscal account, made public on Tuesday.
Among the significant findings, one notable irregularity involved an amount of 4 million 200 thousand 137.76 pesos related to undocumented cleaning services. The lack of proper documentation to justify these expenses has raised questions about the accountability within INAI. The audit's forensic focus aims to delineate responsibilities and pinpoint fraudulent activities linked to public servants, indicating a push for greater transparency and integrity in public institutions, especially considering INAI's former role in safeguarding transparency and data protection rights.
The implications of these findings are profound as they underscore the necessity for rigorous oversight of governmental entities to prevent similar financial mismanagement in the future. The results can potentially lead to legal ramifications for those involved, a reevaluation of existing financial controls, and a reassertion of the importance of ethical standards in public service. As Mexico continues to grapple with issues of accountability and corruption, the ASF's audit results could serve as a catalyst for reform within agencies designed to protect public interest.