Probe still ongoing into fraud at CID Headquarters

The two sergeants attached to the Finance Department of the Guyana Police Force — who were detained last April for investigation into an alleged conspiracy to commit fraud — are still on the job.
Contacted on Monday for an update on the investigations, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves told Guyana Times that the ranks are still serving members of the Force, as the investigations are ongoing. He said that, so far, nothing was found that would have resulted in those ranks being dismissed.
He added that upon completion of the investigations, the Police Commissioner would be so guided as to act on advice obtained.
This newspaper understands that, although still on the job, these sergeants have not been assigned to their original post.
In April last, the two sergeants were detained for six days as investigators probed the alleged ‘conspiracy to commit fraud’ allegations.
The sergeants were under close arrest at the Tactical Services Unit, Eve Leary. A source close to the investigation had told this publication that the sergeants were called in for questioning after a number of instances pertaining to irregularities in the accounting system at the GPF had been uncovered and it was suspected that the system had been compromised. He said the sergeants, who have been working with the Finance Department for a number of years, were subsequently released on open arrest.
The source had related that the irregularities found concerned money and vouchers for ranks who had performed extra duties and were to receive additional payments. Among the duties some ranks were to be paid for were working at shows, cricket games and other national events.
Guyana Times was told that the parents of one of the sergeants and other close relatives of the other sergeant were also called in for questioning.
The source had disclosed that Police thought it necessary to keep the ranks in custody for the lengthy period they were under close arrest, as the investigations thus far had gone to a new dimension and the sum involved is to the tune of millions of dollars.
“Investigations are unfolding new information. A lot of money is involved. This is all part of the investigation process. We are dealing with serious allegations here,” the source said.
In the past, Police ranks had complained that they were either short-changed or not paid at all for extra duties. There are also claims by some that they had been made to sign for certain sums of money which were 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,” the source had said.
Police Commissioner Leslie James had, in April last, urged ranks to desist from accepting bribes and being involved in unlawful activities, stating that those who do so would be “penalised.” The Top Cop had made these comments while addressing the opening of a training programme at the Officers’ Training Centre at Eve Leary, where he also stated that he is looking for a change in performance of ranks and fewer allegations of corruption.
He had added that while the Force would 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.