2024-12-04 23:10:00
A The General Prosecutor’s Office of the Lisbon Region made public this Wednesday that the Public Prosecutor has accused an employee of the Casa Pia de Lisboa, IP, of the crimes of embezzlement and computer fraud.
In a note published on its website, the Prosecutor’s Office specified that the woman appropriated the rent paid to the institute, in a “an amount that exceeded eleven thousand euros”.
The events occurred between “July and November of the year 2022, when the accused held the position of treasurer”.
“As part of thes functions, he received in cash from another employee the value of the rent charged by him to tenants of properties at said Public Institute. However, according to the complaint, instead of depositing these sums into the institute’s bank accounts, the treasurer allocated a sum exceeding eleven thousand reais.“,but-if.
In order not to be discovered and so that the rent receipts could be issued to the tenants, the accused “recorded in the computer systems that the sums in question had been deposited in the bank account in the name of the institution”.
The crimes where only discovered during an internal audit conducted by Casa Pia de Lisboa, IP, which afterward reported its findings to the Department of Inquiry and Criminal Action (DIAP) in Lisbon.
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How can employees be trained to recognize and report suspicious financial activities within their organizations?
Interview with Dr. Ana Pereira, Forensic Accounting Expert, on Embezzlement and Fraud in Public institutions
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Pereira. The recent case involving the Casa Pia de Lisboa highlights some serious issues regarding embezzlement and computer fraud in public institutions. Can you summarize what happened?
Dr. Ana Pereira: Certainly. The General Prosecutor’s Office of the Lisbon Region announced that an employee of Casa Pia de Lisboa was accused of embezzlement and computer fraud. This individual, who served as the treasurer, reportedly misappropriated over eleven thousand euros in rent payments intended for the institute. Rather of depositing the cash he collected, he falsely recorded the transactions in the institution’s computer system, making it appear as if the funds had been deposited.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite alarming.What implications does this case have for public institutions in Portugal and beyond?
Dr. Ana Pereira: This incident reveals vulnerabilities in the financial controls of public institutions. It underscores the importance of regular audits and robust internal controls to detect and prevent such fraudulent activities. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity for employee training on ethical practices and accountability. Public confidence can be severely diminished by such cases, prompting calls for better governance and oversight.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of audits, you mentioned their importance. Could you elaborate on how internal audits can prevent fraud like this?
Dr. ana Pereira: Internal audits serve as a critical line of defense against financial improprieties. they ensure compliance with financial regulations and operational policies. Regular audits can identify discrepancies and unusual patterns in financial transactions before they escalate. For Casa Pia de Lisboa, it was an internal audit that uncovered these fraudulent activities. It is essential for institutions to foster a culture of openness where employees feel responsible for upholding ethical standards.
Time.news Editor: For our readers who may work in similar environments, what practical advice can you provide to help prevent such incidents of fraud?
Dr.Ana Pereira: First and foremost, institutions should implement comprehensive training programs on ethics and fraud prevention for all employees. additionally, they should establish clear reporting channels for suspicious activities. Strong internal controls, such as dual-signature requirements for transactions and separation of duties, can greatly reduce the risk of fraud. organizations should consider using automated financial management systems that are transparent and can provide real-time insights into financial activities.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Pereira, for these insights. As embezzlement cases like this one continue to emerge, it’s clear that vigilance and proactive measures are essential for safeguarding public funds.
Dr. Ana Pereira: Absolutely, and thank you for shedding light on such an importent issue.The fight against fraud requires ongoing effort and commitment from everyone within an institution.
Time.news Editor: We appreciate yoru time and expertise. This conversation is sure to resonate with our readers and encourage them to reflect on the integrity of their own institutions.
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