Forensic accountant uncovers suspected Church fraud

A forty-seven year old woman has been arrested on suspicion of fraud after a forensic accountant found around ten thousand pounds of parishioners’ money had gone missing from a Devon church.

Devon & Cornwall Police have launched an investigation into the allegations which relate to incidents between 2005 and 2011 at St Boniface’s Church in Plymouth.

Det Supt Mark Newnham told NIFA News that: "the matter was referred to police by the Church of England Diocese following the review by a forensic accountant." He added that: "the financial investigation unit is looking into the matter."

A spokesman for the Diocese of Exeter said: "we are doing all we can to support the church community while the police enquiry is under way."

The woman, who has not yet been named, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

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