Pension scam -- Final report expected shortly
Stabroek News
February 18, 2003
The final report of the Auditor General’s findings into the multi-million dollar Old Age Pension Scam is expected by the end of this month, according to a source close to the AG’s department.
An interim report has already been completed showing the level of fraudulent practices during the months May to October.
No audit was done for the months of April and March, but indications are that the final report will contain findings from those two months. In keeping with the Audit Office’s policies a reply to the report was expected within a month from the Ministry of Human Services. It is however unclear as to whether the ministry has made any reply. It is believed that the fraud began sometime in May and as such there would not be any real difference in the final report. The interim report shows that some $14M was stolen.
Meanwhile, the police are still conducting investigations and according to a senior officer, the prospect for an early finish does not appear good. Initially the force had said they were awaiting the report from the AG Department, but since this has been handed over nothing has been done.
The senior officer told Stabroek News yesterday that the police still have a lot of work to do in their investigation.
According to the officer the police have to conduct investigations at all 15 post offices where the fake Old Pension coupons were cashed.
He added that with the limited manpower and other issues relating to the investigation they have not been able to move ahead in a timely manner.
Seven postal officers and three employees from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security are the ones most likely to be charged if ever the police proceed on that course and the police officer confirmed that these officers are required to report at the Criminal Investigation Department regularly.
The Old Age scam which came to light some time in October last year involved the printing and cashing of fake vouchers by a network of postal employees and Ministry officials.
