City of Richmond officials internal memo on gift card scandal raises eyebrows – BC [Video]

As a forensic audit into a gift card scandal at the City of Richmond examines the past decade, and the RCMP say their own investigation is “active and ongoing,” the city’s chief administrative officer is attempting damage control.

Some believe it goes too far.

The city has confirmed that $295,000 worth of gift cards it bought in 2022, 2023 and 2024 are unaccounted for.

The scandal was exposed after Global News interviewed whistleblowers and examined nearly 500 pages of documents obtained under freedom of information laws.

Despite ongoing investigations, CAO Serena Lusk has emailed staff claiming “this matter appears at this time to be an isolated incident.”

“I think meddling in this is just muddying the waters, and that’s not good for anybody,” Richmond City Councillor Carol Day told Global News.

“Better off to just everybody keep your opinions to yourself, let the police ask their questions, let the auditors ask their questions and let’s see …