Guernsey States independent fraud review launched

Deputy Soulsby said the review would not look at the specific fraud

An independent review into fraud prevention measures within Guernsey States has begun.

In July £2.6m was given to conmen who posed as the major contractor on the £80m airport project.

That prompted an internal investigation and a criminal inquiry by police in Guernsey and the UK.

Heidi Soulsby, chairwoman of the Public Accounts Committee, said it was being carried out to reassure the public the States was prepared to deal with fraud.

She said: "[This review] is to ensure the States of Guernsey has the proper procedures and policies to minimise the risk of fraud in the future.

"We can't look at the specific incident of fraud at the moment because it is the subject of a criminal investigation."

The Guernsey branch of Ernst & Young has been appointed to carry out the review, which has a maximum budget of £25,000.

The initial findings are due to be completed by December and the committee expects to receive a report including the findings and recommendations in January.