Former City of Surrey finance clerk suspected of defrauding city of $2.5 million
Surrey Police and RCMP Financial Crimes Officers Investigate $2.5 Million Fraud Case
Surrey police and RCMP financial crimes officers are currently investigating allegations that a former City of Surrey finance clerk defrauded the city of more than $2.5 million by cutting hundreds of cheques to accounts associated with herself and her boutique cake baking business. The identity of the woman involved has not been disclosed as she has not been charged.
The investigation began when the woman, who had worked in the finance department of the City of Surrey, left her position in January 2024 after questions were raised about a forged signature on some paperwork. This led to the discovery of 183 fraudulent cheques written out to the woman’s former legal name, her mother, and her side business, drawing funds from dormant accounts that had been inactive for years.
City of Surrey’s chief financial officer, Kam Grewal, reported the fraud to the RCMP, stating that the woman had been committing fraud since 2017 and had defrauded the city of over $2 million. The court documents reveal that the woman had access to the city databases, allowing her to manipulate details about deposits and change the names of payees for cheques to be issued.
The investigation uncovered a complex process where the woman allegedly made changes to addresses and payees linked to deposit account holders to carry out the fraud. Changes were tracked back to her unique user ID, showing alterations to accounts and issuing cheques to her cake business or mother. In total, 183 cheques amounting to $2,537,599.67 were identified as part of the fraudulent activity.
The woman’s abrupt resignation and subsequent attempts to retrieve the fraudulent cheques raised suspicions among her colleagues, ultimately leading to the discovery of the fraud. Despite attempts to contact the woman and her family for statements, no responses were received.
The City of Surrey responded to the allegations by emphasizing their commitment to fiscal responsibility and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. They initiated an internal review and engaged external forensic specialists to investigate the irregularities. Legal proceedings have been initiated by the city, although the clerk involved has not been named in these proceedings.
As the investigation continues, residents are assured that steps have been taken to protect public funds and recover the full amount on their behalf. The case is ongoing, and none of the allegations have been proven in court.
