SURREY City Manager Rob Costanzo said in a statement on Thursday: “In early 2024, following Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and Council’s mandate to ensure fiscally responsible government and to safeguarding every taxpayer dollar, staff identified irregular transactions dating back to 2017 involving dormant development-deposit accounts.
“Once the irregularities were discovered, the City immediately commenced an internal review and engaged external forensic specialists. The matter was also immediately reported to the Surrey RCMP who are conducting a criminal investigation. Since then, the City has enhanced its processes to prevent a similar occurrence.
“The City filed a claim against a former employee in B.C. Supreme Court in 2024 seeking the full recovery of funds, currently assessed at approximately $2.5 million, plus costs and interest.
“No current City employee is named in the City’s civil action and no additional staff member has been implicated. Privacy legislation prevents the City from commenting on individual employment matters, including those concerning relatives of the former employee.
“Residents can be assured that decisive steps have been taken to protect public funds and to recover the full amount on their behalf. Because the matter is before the courts, the City is unable to comment further at this time.”