Group of people in custody for allege theft in government treasury.

A group of people who allegedly robbed the State of up to $500,000 are now in custody and their properties seized by police.

Minister of Finance Gordon Darcy Lilo said about $500,000 had been fraudulently processed by the bank after the group used falsely printed signatures. Mr Lilo said that it was fortunate that they were caught by the bank’s camera.

It was alleged that the group removed unused government cheques and used one of the slips, falsely printed signatures and withdrew the money. Mr Lilo said it was the internal auditors’ robust tracking down that resulted in them identifying the problem.

However, he said they were unable to retrieve the money. Mr Lilo accused that particular bank for not cross-checking with the Treasury to question such a huge withdrawal.

The minister said he is planning to ask the bank to recover the money, as they should have taken responsibility by cross-checking with them.

Source: Solomon star.