The favored company, Suplidora Doble A, sold the 2,000 masks for $12,000, which means that the IMA paid $6 for each one.

Araúz's request was based on an investigation by La Prensa that revealed that the same masks had been purchased two days earlier by another state entity, at a lower cost. A web search of the KN95 mask model reveals that they can be obtained for $1.41 per unit.

It was detected that some companies were selling medical supplies with possible cost overruns and without having a license for the sale and distribution of these equipment.

An official source informed La Prensa that this supplier won another contract for $17,000, from the entity's administrative director, Jorge González .

The new purchase with the same supplier would be to purchase alcohol gel bottles.

"That contract was not endorsed by the Comptroller General, because it was charging for a product that did not match the specifications of the invoice. They were asking for a gallon and they were delivering less than the quantity, ”said the source.

The IMA confirmed that González was removed from office. The dismissal would have been based on the irregular purchase of the masks, as well as "for lack of confidentiality and transparency." An attempt was made to obtain González's version, but the efforts were unsuccessful.

The source reported that upon reviewing the then official's office, they found part of the masks. Few of these were delivered to IMA staff in Capira.

The IMA director also asked the comptroller to audit other purchases made in this time of economic crisis.

Source: La Prensa