ATTORNEY GENERAL Anand Ramlogan said yesterday that his office will soon initiate a criminal investigation into allegations of financial impropriety at State-owned Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG).

Ramlogan made the comment yesterday in response to questions on the status of outstanding probes being conducted by his ministry in collaboration with the Anti Corruption and Investigations Bureau (ACIB). According to the AG, who did not wish to say too much regarding the allegations, his office received information that corrupt practices existed at CNMG and will investigate the allegations.

"I have received several complaints about financial irregularities at State-owned CNMG. Although I am concentrating on the various forensic and legal audits that have been announced, this may very well be a matter that would engage my attention," Ramlogan said.

CNMG owns and operates a broadcast media facility comprising radio services on frequencies 100.1FM, 99.1FM and 91.1FM, and television services on terrestrial Channels 9 and 13 and cable Channel 6.

The entity replaced the former public National Broadcasting Network (NBN), which closed its doors in January, 2005, after more than 40 years on the air. The current board is one of several State-owned boards that are expected to be replaced by the end of this month.

Ramlogan said some of the alleged irregularities include election spending and coverage and certain "questionable contracts and transactions" that were entered into under the previous regime.

"It's clear that internal checks and balances may need to be reviewed," he said.

When questioned about the current corruption probes, Ramlogan said the investigations were moving full speed ahead and the response from the public, including employees of the various institutions who were coming forward with information, was overwhelming.

"I am very encouraged by the high sense of integrity that has been shown by those who have come forward. The information they provide will be treated and dealt with in the strictest of confidence and they will be given the necessary protection where needed. We have received several documents and statements from persons with knowledge about wrongdoing and several whistles have been blown," Ramlogan said.

He added that the ACIB was also doing extremely well given the constraints they face with outstanding probes. —Akile Simon