Browne Reveals Investigation Into Alleged Stolen and Altered Public Works Cheques

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says police are investigating allegations that cheques were stolen from the Public Works Department and altered before being presented for payment.

Speaking Saturday on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne said several people had reportedly gained access to a restricted area controlled by the permanent secretary, where a cheque book had been secured.

He said one cheque, initially made out for $900, was allegedly altered by adding the number two to increase its value to $2,900.

“This was a stolen cheque, this was a real cheque, and he got $900 and he had a two in front of the cheque, making it $2,900,” Browne said.

The prime minister also disclosed that another allegedly stolen cheque for $3,000 was presented at a supermarket. He said the supermarket owner became suspicious and reported the matter.

Browne said several people had been detained by police in connection with the allegations. Another member of the programme’s panel suggested that six people were involved, but the prime minister did not independently confirm that number.

The names of those under investigation were not disclosed, and Browne stressed that he did not want to discuss the matter extensively because the investigation remains active.

The allegations emerged as Browne addressed concerns involving Public Works employees who had not been paid and others who were owed overtime. He said officials at the department and the Treasury had been instructed to expedite the outstanding payments.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Says Police Are Investigating Stolen and Altered Cheques at Public Works.