A 40-year-old woman from the RM of Grandview was arrested by the Manitoba RCMP Cyber & Financial Crime Unit (CFCU) and Dauphin RCMP detachment on January 16, 2025, following a two-year investigation. The woman, who was the former Chief Administrative Officer, had been under investigation since 2022 after a fraud complaint was filed by the Gilbert Plains Municipality. The complaint alleged that she had defrauded the municipality of over $500,000 during her employment.
The investigation, which included gathering witness statements and reviewing extensive financial records and reports, resulted in the woman being charged with Fraud over $5,000, Theft over $5,000, and Use of Proceeds Knowing it was Obtained by the Commission of an Offence.
Constable Ricky Perkins of the Manitoba RCMP Cyber & Financial Crime Unit commented on the case, stating, “Any time you have an investigation of this duration that reaches the charge stage it’s a major milestone. However, the work is not complete. We realize for the people affected, a lengthy investigation can feel as if there is no progress being made. In reality, there are many investigative steps taking place behind the scenes, and we’ll continue to work with the Dauphin RCMP Detachment until its conclusion.”
Following her arrest, the accused was released from custody with conditions and is scheduled to appear in Dauphin Provincial Court on March 18, 2025. The investigation into the case is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and follow up on leads.
Cases of financial fraud and cybercrimes are not uncommon in today’s digital age, and law enforcement agencies are increasingly focusing on combating such offenses. The collaboration between the Manitoba RCMP Cyber & Financial Crime Unit and the Dauphin RCMP detachment highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in investigating and prosecuting complex cases of fraud.
It is essential for municipalities and organizations to have stringent financial oversight measures in place to prevent and detect fraud. In this case, the swift action taken by the authorities in response to the fraud complaint demonstrates their commitment to upholding the law and holding offenders accountable.
As the case unfolds and more details emerge, the community and stakeholders involved will be closely monitoring the developments. The outcome of the court proceedings on March 18, 2025, will provide further insight into the extent of the alleged fraud and the repercussions for the accused individual.
Overall, the arrest and charges laid in this case serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and diligence in financial management within all levels of government and organizations to prevent and address instances of fraud and misconduct.