Four individuals, including a former contracting officer for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), have pleaded guilty in a significant bribery scheme worth $550 million. The case highlights serious issues within the agency, which has faced criticism for its management and spending practices.
Roderick Watson, 57, served as a contracting officer at USAID. He admitted to accepting bribes from contractors starting in 2013. The other three defendants—Walter Barnes, who owns Vistant, and Darryl Britt, owner of Apprio, along with subcontractor Paul Young—were involved in funneling bribes to Watson. These bribes were often disguised as payments through various means, including false invoices and electronic bank transfers.
The bribes included cash, expensive gifts like NBA game tickets, and even funding for personal events such as weddings. Reports suggest that Watson received over $1 million in bribes throughout the scheme. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has emphasized that this kind of corruption undermines trust in government programs.
The scandal comes at a time when USAID is already under scrutiny for its spending. Critics, including some Republicans, have called for a thorough review of the agency’s financial practices, arguing that the agency has been irresponsible in its management.
In a related development, Vistant had previously been awarded a contract worth up to $800 million to address issues related to migration from Central America. However, this contract was canceled after USAID discovered evidence of dishonesty related to the company. After a legal battle, Vistant was reinstated with the contract.
The DOJ has made it clear that it will not tolerate corruption in government programs. Officials from USAID have stated their commitment to rooting out fraud and ensuring accountability. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in public service and the need for vigilance against corruption in government contracts.