Man accused of stealing $2.8m from ministry

A former employee of an arm of the Ministry of Social Security was hauled before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday, accused of defrauding his employers of more than $2 million.

He is Horine Duncan, a former programme administrative assistant for HIV in the Ministry of Social Security, is charged with causing money to be paid by means of forged document.

However, he did not enter a plea when brought to court.

Allegations are that between November 2010 and January 2012, Duncan prepared 23 fraudulent invoices for work done on behalf of the department. The fraudulent documents were sent to the manager for approval. The accounting department, paid a total of $2.8 million on account of the fraudulent invoices.

It was later revealed that the invoices were fraudulent and that companies allegedly hired were fictitious.

The accused had his bail extended., He is to return to court on May 17 when his case file is expected to be completed. Statements from his former employers and the bank are outstanding.

A fingerprint order was filed against him.