The International Road Transport Union (IRU), which counts both the FTA and RHA as members, has ‘strongly and categorically’ denied allegations that senior officials hid member funds of around $550million. The accusation was made against the union’s secretary general, Umberto de Pretto and chief operating officer, Boris Blanche.
The organisation said that it works in full compliance with the law, and that all its funds are completely accounted for. It is currently ‘assessing all legal options’.
It said: “Coming on the eve of IRU’s General Assembly, held on 8 April 2016, these allegations were discussed by IRU members at that meeting. The audited 2015 accounts were subsequently approved and the meeting concluded with a large majority of members continuing to fully support the Secretary General and his staff.”
The board will also oversee an additional independent external audit.
The statement added: “IRU understands that a file has been submitted to the Geneva State Prosecutor’s Office, and stands ready to collaborate with the Swiss authorities to bring this matter to a close.”
