States credit card case dropped

Wednesday 11 October 2017

An investigation into the alleged misuse of a States credit card has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute.

Police confirmed in August that they had begun inquiries into whether public money had been misused and that “a man in his 40s” was assisting with their investigations.

The man was not named, and no arrests or charges were made. 

Police concluded that review last month, and prepared a file for review by the Law Officers’ Department.

After having reviewed the Police’s findings, they concluded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue the case.

In response to questioning by Express, a spokesperson released the following statement: “The Law Officers’ Department has reviewed the evidence provided to it by the States of Jersey Police in respect of alleged misuse of a States of Jersey credit card and decided that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute.”

They declined to comment further on the matter.

States purchase or ‘credit’ cards are issued to a number of senior civil servants and to some States members. Strict guidelines dictate what the cards can and can’t be used for by civil servants, although the rules are not as clear cut for Ministers. 

A person found guilty of fraudulently using their States purchase card could face up to 10 years in prison or an unspecified fine under the Public Finances (Jersey) Law.