Cops remain under close arrest for fraud

Police investigators have obtained permission to further detain two colleagues attached to the Finance Department of the Guyana Police Force for an additional 72 hours as they continue to probe the alleged conspiracy to commit fraud.
A source close to the investigations told Guyana Times on Sunday that the police thought it necessary to keep the ranks in custody as the investigations continue.
He said that the investigation, thus far, has gone to a new dimension and the sum involved has amounted to millions of dollars.
“Investigations are unfolding new information. A lot of monies involved,” he said. He added, however, that no charges were laid thus far and once liable, the ranks will be charged accordingly.
The two sergeants were detained on Wednesday last and remain under close arrest at the Tactical Services Unit, Eve Leary.
The ranks were called in for questioning on Wednesday after a number of irregularities pertaining to the accounting system at the Guyana Police Force appeared to have been compromised.
According to information received, the two sergeants have been working within the Finance Department for a number of years.
The irregularities found are with respect to monies and vouchers for ranks, who would have performed extra duties and were to receive additional payments.
Among the duties some ranks were to be paid for were for working at shows, cricket games and other national events. Guyana Times was told that the parents of one rank and relatives close to the other rank were called in for questioning on Friday last.
“This is all part of the investigation process. We are dealing with serious allegations here,” the source said. In the past, police ranks complained that they were either short-changed or in other instances, not paid at all for extra duties. There are also claims by some that they would sign for the monies but those monies are not given to them. “There are lots of allegations and [they] are all being investigated. Information is being gathered right now after which charges will follow if necessary. We are carrying a very thorough investigation because this has been going on for quite some time and we are leaving no stone unturned,” a source told Guyana Times.
Efforts to contact Crime Chief, Deputy Commissioner Lyndon Alves and Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for administration Paul Williams on Sunday proved futile. The Guyana Police Force has not yet released an official statement on the matter.
Just recently, Police Commissioner Leslie James had urged police ranks to desist from accepting bribes and any involvement in unlawful activities, stating that they will be “penalised”.
The Top Cop had made these comments while addressing the opening of a training programme at the Officers’ Training Centre, Eve Leary, where he also stated that he is looking for a change in performance of ranks and fewer allegations of corruption. He added that while the Force will be engaging particular departments to tackle the issue of corruption; if the ranks believe that their salaries are too small, they should tender their resignation.
“If you’re not comfortable with your salaries, leave the job. You came on, you were told what is being offered and you decided to become an agent of the Force. How come you have an issue with your remuneration,” the Commissioner stated.