BREAKING: Westmeath County Council defrauded of half a million euro

Westmeath County Council has been defrauded to the tune of half a million euro.

In a statement issued a short time ago, the council said that the gardaí have launched an investigation into the matter, which it describes as a “payment fraud initiated by a third party”. It also said that it had engaged the services of specialist advisers.

“Westmeath County Council confirms that it has recently been the subject of a payment fraud (initated by a third-party) in the amount of approximately €515,000.

"As soon as the council became aware of the matter, it immediately contacted An Garda Síochána and engaged the services of specialist advisers. The issue is currently under investigation by An Garda Síochána and the council is cooperating fully with that investigation. When investigations are complete, a further statement will issue.”