City of Richmond says RCMP investigating after $290K in gift cards unaccounted for

The City of Richmond says it is conducting a forensic audit of its previous gift card purchases after it found nearly $300,000 worth of cards are unaccounted for.

During a recent review, the city found “inconsistencies” in its gift card purchases.

Between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2024, the city says it spent $446,000 to purchase gift cards. It determined that $120,000 worth was distributed to staff as rewards or to support employee fundraising programs, such as the United Way. It also says it still has $31,000 of remaining gift cards.

The remaining $295,000 is unreconciled.

“As a result, the city is continuing to conduct a forensic audit of gift card purchases and has referred the matter to the RCMP,” said Clay Adams, corporate communications director for the City of Richmond, in a statement.

“In addition, following a personnel investigation, an individual’s employment with the city has concluded.”

According to the city, gift cards used to be given to employees to reward performance or long service. It has recently ended this practice.

“Recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of individuals and teams remains an important part of the City’s employee recognition program,” Adams said.

“However, recognition programs for long service and retiring employees are being restructured and will no longer involve the use of gift cards.”

The city says the investigation is ongoing.