The audit of the Academy of Judges and Public Prosecutors revealed a series of weaknesses and irregularities: Overtime funds were being paid, uncontrolled fuel was being poured, irregularities in the procurement of goods and services, etc.
The State Audit Office (SAO) expressed an unqualified opinion on the 2024 financial statements of the Academy of Judges and Public Prosecutors, assessing that they realistically and objectively present the financial situation of the institution. At the same time, a qualified opinion was given on the compliance of operations with legal regulations, guidelines and established policies due to certain weaknesses and irregularities identified.
According to the final audit report, the remuneration of the members of the Management Board and the Program Council was paid monthly and in full instead of according to the attendance at the sessions held. The auditors also found that the deadline for completing the second phase of the initial training of the eighth generation of trainees for judges and public prosecutors was exceeded by three months, which led to additional payments for mentors and coordinators.
The report states that some of the contracts with mentors were concluded after the end of the mentoring period, and funds were also paid to coordinators and members of commissions for assessing practical training, although their status and right to compensation are not determined by the Law on the Academy.
The audit also determined that the legally established maximum for overtime work was exceeded and that no prior written notification was made to the regional labor inspector for the introduction of overtime engagement of employees. Funds were paid for overtime work to an employee on days for which he was also paid per diem for a business trip abroad and for attending a session that was held during full working hours.
Additionally, weaknesses were found in the control of the use of fuel cards, irregularities in the tender documentation and the procurement of goods and services without a public procurement procedure.
