Over $80K Embezzled from Ministry of Transport, Police Launch Investigation

Love News has confirmed that monies have been embezzled at the Ministry of Transport.  The matter was confirmed this morning by the Minister of Public Service, Henry Usher, who explained that the findings have been reported to the Police for further action.  According to reports, an internal audit of the Spanish Lookout office was carried out which led to the uncovering of a scheme amounting to the embezzlement of over 80 thousand dollars.  Minister Usher says he is awaiting the official documents from the ministry.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “We’re very concerned when we get reports of that nature. I’m waiting to get something official from the Ministry of Transport to see exactly what the situation is in terms of the quantum that has been reported missing, the persons that may or may not be involved and certainly we would be taking that to the Public Service Commission for disciplinary procedures. I know that the matter has been reported or I’ve heard that the matter has been reported to the police and an investigation is ongoing there as well. But I think it’s important because public offic-ers may be involved that we have that process that is found in the public service regulations that we go through that and the proper disciplinary procedures are done in accordance with those regulations.”

Reporter: As of now are you able to say whether or not any pubic officers are believed to be involved in this alleged incident are on administrative leave ? 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “We have not gotten anything yet at the public service ministry so those types of requests and so have to go through the ministry and then to the commission so when that happens then it will be made public.”

Reporter: Do you have any information in terms of what period this alleged was taking place ? 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “No I don’t have any of the information yet. I would prefer to wait until we get that official statement or request form the Ministry of Transport before we make any type of comments. What I’ve heard is only what I’ve heard through the media and that I know that or heard that there was some report made to the police.”

Reporter: And the Ministry of Transport has launched an investigation.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “From what I understand yes they have launched an investigation. As you know they just recently got their CEO in place so I think that once he is settled in then he would be writing the Ministry of Public Service to start that disciplinary procedure and then we would have more information.”

Love News understands that the embezzlement occurred over a 3-year period.  We further understand that a public officer was initially placed on leave, but has since returned to office.  The Police have sent the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further directive on the matter.