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
Ringo Starr on holidaying in Ireland: ‘We hopped over on a plane, rented a car and found a little guesthouse for two nights’
Maureen Dowd: At Jimmy Carter’s funeral, Donald Trump was narcissist non grata
Pat Leahy: Government is getting nervous about the contentious Occupied Territories Bill
The man gave every indication of being dead just seconds before he revived to defend himself
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
