The Guyana Police Drive (GPF) has launched an investigation into the alleged theft of $5 million from the Accounts Division of the Guyana Elections Fee (GECOM).
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Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed to Kaieteur Information that a number of GECOM staff are helping the police in relation to a report of straightforward larceny involving the lacking funds. “A number of GECOM staff are helping the police in relation to a report of straightforward larceny involving the sum of roughly $5 million Guyana foreign money, property of GECOM,” he mentioned.
GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, additionally acknowledged the matter, noting that an inside investigation is underway. “I can’t communicate on the problem. I can solely say that there’s an inside investigation, and as soon as it’s accomplished, we are going to problem an announcement,” she mentioned.
The lacking money was found over the weekend, prompting fast police involvement. Public consideration intensified after the newly fashioned We Spend money on Nationhood (WIN) social gathering alleged monetary irregularities at GECOM, claiming over $50 million was unaccounted for and that a number of workers members had been arrested. Police, nonetheless, have confirmed solely the $5 million determine at this stage.
The incident has positioned GECOM underneath scrutiny, coming simply weeks after the September 1 Normal and Regional Elections. Non permanent workers employed for election day have been scheduled to obtain funds on September 17, however as a result of ongoing investigation, many have but to be paid. One non permanent employee confirmed that these unable to gather their funds on the scheduled date have been suggested they might achieve this this week.
The investigation stays ongoing, and authorities are persevering with to query staff in reference to the lacking funds.
