PM Gaston Browne exposes Cheque Fraud Scheme at Public Works

Antigua and Barbuda: Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed a major cheque fraud scheme within the Public Works Department, after unauthorised individuals allegedly gained access to a restricted area and stole a secured cheque book. Police have since launched an investigation and detained several individuals in connection with the suspected fraud.

According to Prime Minister Browne, unauthorised individuals managed to gain access to a restricted area that is directly controlled by the Permanent Secretary. Once inside, the perpetrators stole a cheque book that had been stored and secured in the safe area.

While Prime Minister Gaston Browne declined to share extensive details to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation, he provided a clear example of how the scammers altered officials payments.

In one documented case, a legitimate government cheque made out for $900 was stolen and modified. The fraudsters simply added the digit 2 in front of the original amount. This single edit instantly changed the value of the cheque from $900 to $2,900 allowing the suspects to attempt to cash out thousands of dollars in stolen funds.

The Prime Minister emphasised that this simple yet calculated method of changing numbers allowed those involved to siphon off public money undetected for a period of time.

Law enforcement agencies moved quickly after the security breach was discovered. Prime Minister Browne confirmed that police officers have already detained several individuals in connection with the fraud.

However, authorities stress that the investigation is far from over. Additional individuals remain under active investigation as detectives work to determine the full scope of the scheme, trace all altered payments, and identify whether internal staff assisted the intruders in accessing the restricted zone.

The breach has raised serious questions about security protocols within government departments. The unauthorized entry into a Permanent Secretary's restricted area represents not only financial crime but also a significant lapse in physical security.

Prime Minister Browne assured the public that those responsible will face the full weight of the law once the investigation concludes. Government officials are expected to audit physical security systems and financial records across the department to prevent similar breaches in the future.

Further updates from law enforcement are expected as police complete their interviews with the detained suspects and gather additional evidence.