Fraud investigation underway over ‘irregularities’

TRURO, N.S. – An RCMP investigation has been initiated over missing funds from the Millbrook First Nation band dating back to 2016.

The band’s top financial advisor has been fired and Chief Bob Gloade said “a business relationship” has been ended with another individual “over a lack of confidence moving forward.”

“I can’t go into confidentiality (issues) right now, it’s an ongoing investigation,” Gloade told the Truro News.

In a newsletter issued to the community on the band’s website, Gloade said the RCMP was notified after staff noticed in early December “some accounting irregularities with regard to specific cheques.”

Gloade said he does not yet know how much money was involved. According to an anonymous caller to the News, computers had been seized from the band office by the RCMP.

“The issue was escalated immediately and we launched an internal investigation,” Gloade said, in the newsletter.

“Based on preliminary findings and consultation with Band Council, the RCMP has been engaged and have launched an investigation which is ongoing. Internally, we have taken necessary and proactive disciplinary steps based on our Human Resources policies and procedures.”

In response to inquiry by the News, provincial RCMP spokesperson Lisa Croteau said the investigation was initiated on Dec. 11 after receiving a fraud complaint.

“The fraudulent activity is believed to have begun in 2016,” she said. “The investigation is ongoing and being led by the RCMP Commercial Crime Unit.”