Problems continue for Minority Outreach Intervention Project (MOIP) with the temporary suspension of one of the agency’s programs targeting Hispanic gay men.
According to City of Chicago Inspector General Alexander Vroustouris, the move by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) was done pending his office’s current investigation into charges of fraud. “It’s a common practice whenever an agency is undergoing an investigation like this,” Vroustouris said. “If there are any problems, obviously one wants to stop any further misappropriation of funds. And if it is determined that nothing has transpired that is fraudulent or criminal, CDPH will adjust any outstanding bills.”
Vroustouris added that the other two portions of MOIP’s contract continue without interruption. The suspended portion relates to those funds where allegations have been made of impropriety. “We have reviewed all of the documents submitted by MOIP and CDPH,” he said. “Now we are doing a second read of the materials before making any recommendations.”