Local cops in contact with RCMP in Republic Bank fraud probe

Local law men are in contact with their Canadian counterparts in connection with the over $200 million fraud that was uncovered at Republic Bank Guyana late last year.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud yesterday told Stabroek News that the matter was reported to the police about a month ago and they launched an investigation. He said they are in contact with the Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) since some of the stolen cash was deposited into banks in that country. Persaud said while they are investigating no charge has been instituted against anyone as yet.

Meanwhile, Public Rela-tions Officer of the bank Jonelle Dummett would only confirm that there was a fraud and that the money stolen amounted to a “little over $200 million”. Asked to confirm reports that three persons were recently dismissed in connection with the fraud, Dummett said that was indeed so but refused to say whether they were senior officials and from which branch they were dismissed.

Dummett would only say that the fraud was uncovered late last year refusing to divulge any further information.

She said persons are concerned at the bank and they are putting methods in place to ensure that there is no reoccurrence.

Stabroek News also attempted to get a comment from the recently appointed Senior Manager of Corpora-tion and Management Ser-vices, Patricia Plummer, but she refused to comment stating that the matter is in the hands of the police and as such the bank cannot issue a statement.