Fraud squad to investigate St. Mary Council

The fraud squad has been called in to investigate the disappearance of $1.2 million from the St. Mary Parish Council.



Mayor of Port Maria, Richard Creary said auditors were called in after certain discrepancies were discovered in the Council’s finances.



He said investigations carried out by the auditors revealed that monies were being paid out to people not employed to the Council.



The money was reportedly taken over a one-year period.



According to Mr. Creary council members have identified two persons whom they suspect are responsible for taking the money.



He said the workers are suspected of falsifying documents to obtain money for fictitious work on certain projects.



He said cheques were drafted and cashed based on these documents.