Westmeath County Council has admitted it has been defrauded out of a sum of more than €500,000.
The council paid out €515,000 in a payment to a third party. The information was conveyed via email to councillors on Wednesday night.
The council contacted An Garda Síochána as soon as it was told of the fraudulent transactions and engaged the services of specialist advisers who advise local authorities on fraud issues.
The issue is currently under investigation by gardaí. The council said it is co-operating fully with that investigation.
READ MORE
Electricity grids designed so generators switch off when system loses synchronisation, expert explains
Magic movies: The 25 best comedies of the past 25 years – in reverse order
What will €260,000 buy in Limerick city and west Cork?
The Eircom shares debacle: ‘I spent €5,000. They are now worth less than €500′
The council stated that it will issue a further statement presently when more is known about the case.
- See our new project Common Ground, Evolving Islands: Ireland & Britain
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Our In The News podcast is now published daily – Find the latest episode here
