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MolenGeek Founder welcomes investigation,Cites Confidence in Financial Transparency
Ibrahim Ouassari,founder of Brussels-based tech education organization MolenGeek,has publicly welcomed a judicial investigation into the organization’s finances,stating,”Now a neutral body can check our accounts and confirm that every euro has been spent correctly.” The investigation, currently underway by the brussels public prosecutor’s office, has not been commented on regarding its progress.
Ouassari highlighted a 620,000 euro infrastructure cost related to new equipment as an example of spending he believes will be fully accounted for. he also defended the organization’s practice of employing teachers on a freelance basis for seven months of the year, characterizing it as an “agile” work model.
The investigation comes amidst scrutiny regarding molengeek’s funding and financial practices. Paris Match reports difficulties in verifying certain expenditures, specifically payments to teachers routed through Urbantech, a company linked to Ouassari. Concerns have also been raised about the length of time an individual served as both accountant and treasurer – reportedly ten years as an intern. An anonymous source involved in the investigation, speaking to BRUZZ, alleges that MolenGeek’s annual accounts may not fully reflect its total income.
Public funding for MolenGeek totaled 1.542 million euros between 2020 and 2024 through a collaboration with Bruxelles Formation, encompassing both subsidies and funds secured through public tenders. Additionally, MolenGeek received over 2 million euros in support from Actiris and through ICT checks offered in Brussels.
The collaboration with Bruxelles Formation has as been terminated, though a spokesperson for Bruxelles Formation, Thibault Balthazar, attributed the decision to evolving training needs, stating MolenGeek’s courses “fit in less well” with their current catalog.
Further complicating the situation, Paris Match reports that five former students have filed complaints expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of instruction received at MolenGeek – concerns previously reported by BRUZZ earlier this year.
Ouassari concluded a written statement expressing concern that the investigation sends a negative message to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, suggesting they are viewed with inherent suspicion despite their achievements.
The public prosecutor’s office has not released any facts regarding the investigation’s scope or timeline.
