Ex-finance consultant of Dhidhdhoo council probed for fraud
Later, the consultant said that MVR 5,500 was mistakenly deposited in his personal account and that he would return the money back to the council.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
A former financial and IT consultant of Alifu Dhaalu Dhidhdhoo council has been arrested for allegedly embezzling money from the council's safe.
The irregularities committed by the IT and Financial Consultant of Dhidhdhoo Council were highlighted in the council's 2022 compliance audit report released by the Auditor General's Office on Monday. According to the report, the bank statement of Dhidhdhoo Council was altered and submitted to the auditors.
The audit office has asked the council to submit the matter to the police for investigation. Police sent a message to the media regarding it on Thursday:
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A former finance and IT consultant of Dhidhdhoo council has been accused of embezzlement
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The case is being investigated
According to the audit, on August 3, 2022, MVR 5,500 was handed over to the then Finance and IT Consultant of Dhidhdhoo Council. However, the money was not deposited in the council's bank account. When he was questioned by the audit office in this regard, he falsely informed them that the money was deposited, the audit said.
According to the audit:
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In the MVR 25,000 deposited by a private individual, the MVR 5,500 was included, he had said
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However, the 25,000 is a grant to the council, the audit found
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Later, the consultant said that MVR 5,500 was mistakenly deposited in his personal account and that he would return the money back to the council
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Then he sent a forged bank statement to the audit on November 13 saying the money had been deposited
It is an offence to knowingly create or alter an object or document in an invalid manner with the intention of defrauding or concealing wrongdoing.
