$2.5-million claim filed against former employee

The city of Surrey says it’s filed a lawsuit against a former employee who’s accused of misappropriating about $2.5 million in taxpayer money.

Staff discovered a number of irregular transactions early last year after council asked them to conduct an audit of government funds to ensure they were being fiscally responsible.

“Once the irregularities were discovered, the City immediately commenced an internal review and engaged external forensic specialists,” said a city statement Thursday.

The transactions dated back to 2017 and involved “dormant development-deposit accounts.”

There’s now a criminal investigation underway and the city says it has taken steps to prevent a similar issue in the future.

“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.”

It says no current employee was named in the claim, and no additional staff member has been implicated.

The City of Surrey says it cannot provide further comment, because the matter is before the courts, but says “decisive steps” have been taken to protect public funds and recover the full amount on behalf of Surrey residents.