Reg. 9 official allegedly embezzled more than $800k in salaries for staff

An 18-year-old Development Officer (DDO) attached to the Aishalton, Region Nine Regional Democratic Council’s Accounting Unit has been arrested by police following allegations that he embezzled more than $800,000.

The monies were intended to be paid to government employees within the Aishalton district. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that, on May 25, the sum of $8.2 million was handed over to the suspect with the corresponding pay sheets for May 2021 salaries.

However, days later on June 2, several employees within the district complained of not receiving their salaries.  An internal probe was launched and it was discovered that a total of $867,144 could not be accounted for.

Police said that the suspect then fled the Aishalton District but was later arrested.  Investigations are ongoing.