Council became aware of €500k fraud last Friday

Westmeath County Council first became aware that it had been defrauded of €515,000 last Friday.

According to sources, the incident occurred in January and involved payments to a single supplier.

In a statement released to media earlier, the council revealed that the money was taken “through a payment fraud initiated by a third party”.

“Westmeath County Council confirms that it has recently been the subject of a payment fraud (initiated 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.”