VMCOTT Investigates Disappearance Of Over $130,000 In Oil
An investigation is ongoing into the disappearance of over $130,000 in missing oil from the Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT).
The disclosure was made on Wednesday morning during a sitting of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
VMCOTT Chairman Amrall Mohammed told the Committee that the oil went missing from the company’s compound following the April 28th General Elections last year.
« When the Board assumed duties in September, there was an issue with respect to missing oil to the value of $132,000. The letter came from the OPR concerning an investigation whereby four IBC containers of oil were loaded up onto a truck and drove out of the compound the day after election. »
Mr. Mohammed said the Board appointed an investigator, and the matter is being dealt with.
« That matter is under investigation. An independent investigator was appointed, and a report was done and it is now with our lawyers with respect to action that will be taken with respect to the persons who have been, I don’t want to use the word fingered, but the persons who have been culpable or allegedly at fault. So yes, that has been done, an investigation. The board did appoint an investigator and that investigation has been completed and the matter is being dealt with. »
The Chairman revealed that another investigation is ongoing into outstanding payments of $1.2 million owed to the company by some past employees.
« The repayment of a travel allowance which amounts to just over $249,000-plus for claiming a travel allowance and using a government vehicle since 2019. »
Mr. Mohammed said this second investigation is expected to be completed soon.
Committee Member and Attorney General John Jeremie SC suggested that these matters should, however, be reported to the police.
