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The government of Suriname reported a millionaire robbery to its Central Bank. Unknown people used fake checks to withdraw the funds, the authorities announced that they have already opened an investigation, although it is still not clear what happened.
As in a television series, the Suriname Police investigates the fraudulent withdrawal of around 10.2 million dollars that were housed in the bank account of the Ministry of Finance and Planning, which has triggered a major scandal in the country.
Through a statement, the authorities of the South American country said that the money was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Suriname between April and June of this year. Without anyone noticing, unknown individuals would have used false documents and receipts to carry out the robbery.
Melvin Bouva, an opposition lawmaker from the National Democratic Party, made the complaint and opened the debate in Parliament last week. From that moment, an investigation was opened, which already results in the seizure of natural and business bank accounts to which the stolen money would have been transferred.
The theft could amount to up to 22 million dollars
The money, coming from the nation’s funds, was used to buy luxury vehicles. The suspects would have laundered money through different companies. The Ministry of Finance and Planning said that a fake check for $500,000 was delivered to the Central Bank of Suriname on June 27.
“We found out about this the next day, so the check was immediately blocked,” said Ministry officials. Two more fake checks were delivered by the same person and he managed to withdraw the money. One transaction for $360,000 on April 25 and the other for $675,000 on June 14.
Bouva told Parliament that the robbery figure could be 22 million dollars, although the government says it would be less.
Public opinion has called for the resignation of Armand Achaibersing, Finance Minister of Suriname, however, the president of the republic, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, has defended the official and assured that it is not necessary for him to leave his post.
The president has said that as soon as he found out about the situation, he ordered an investigation to be opened with the police. Officials from the local Ministry of Finance and Planning and suspected fraudsters have already been questioned for an answer.
with EFE
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