Darlington Borough Council Fraud Investigation

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AndyPark
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Darlington Borough Council Fraud Investigation

Post by AndyPark » Fri Dec 18, 2009 1:58 am

'' Police have carried out dawn raids as part of an investigation into a longrunning fraud at a North-East council, which could be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The case centres on alleged fake invoices which were run through the accounts at Darlington Borough Council.

Three men were arrested yesterday morning in Hartlepool by officers from Darlington CID. Police said the swoops followed an investigation involving a former council manager, who left the authority earlier this year.

The Northern Echo understands that an internal investigation began in May after suspicions were raised about accounts in the council’s asbestos unit.

Detective Sergeant Dave Wilkes, of Darlington CID, said the fraud may have been taking place for a number of years, and could be worth a six figure sum.

He said: “The council instigated an investigation into the asbestos manager in relation to his handling of the accounts, and as a result they contacted Darlington CID.

“We have conducted a protracted inquiry in relation to the business of the asbestos unit at the council, and as a result of co-operation with the council, three males have been arrested.

“They are being interviewed about the payment of invoices to two Hartlepool companies by the council, for work that was not carried out, which has been authorised by the manager.

“We are still in the process of establishing the exact size of the fraud.”

Central to the inquiry is an order for the hire of a cherry picker aerial work platform – a lifting system which is used to carry out repair work on high buildings, utilities poles or lampposts.

It is understood that the equipment was never collected, and detectives are examining claims that the money was siphoned into a private account.

The raids took place at business premises in the Hartlepool area, and the home address of one of the accused.

The inquiry is the second large-scale fraud investigation to hit the council this year.

In an unrelated case, former employee Abigail Clement admitted processing more than 100 fake refunds for fees paid by taxi drivers, worth a total of £13,670, over 12 months. The 31-year-old, of The Meadows, Middleton St George, is to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court in the new year.

A spokeswoman for the council said last night: “We understand that a police investigation is ongoing and therefore we are unable to comment at this time.”

Darlo_Pete, you weren't involved were you :o

Darlo_Pete
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Re: Darlington Borough Council Fraud Investigation

Post by Darlo_Pete » Sat Dec 19, 2009 10:50 am

Nope, although they are looking for a former employee that appears to have run off to the North Lincolnshire area. Any ideas as to who they after Andy?

AndyPark
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Team Supported: Darlington
Location: Darlington

Re: Darlington Borough Council Fraud Investigation

Post by AndyPark » Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:48 am

Wasn't me Pete, i worked within the child services department when i was there :lol:

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