Members of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation allege a former employee has stolen more than $1 million from the Saskatchewan reserve.
“For someone to come in and do this to us, it’s just not right,” said Chief Darcy Bear.
Hugo Gallegos, the first nation’s former senior accountant, has been charged with with theft over $5,000 following an investigation by Saskatoon RCMP and the intergraded organized crime unit.
The exact amount of money that’s missing hasn’t been confirmed. “We know it’s a seven-figure number because of our cash balance,” Bear said.
The first nation had noticed irregularities in its revenue funds and after external accountants determined that money was missing a complaint was filed with Saskatoon RCMP earlier this month.
Police have been unable to locate Gallegos and have issued a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest. In a news release, RCMP said they believe he may have fled the country.
“We know he has ties to El Salvador, so we believe he may have left the country,” said Sgt. Matt Peggs with the RCMP’s organized crime unit.
RCMP said they will try to work with Interpol to find Gallegos and bring him back to Canada. Even if he is found and returned, it’s still unclear if Whitecap Dakota First Nation will see its money again.
Police are asking anyone with information about Gallegos’ whereabouts to come forward. He has brown eyes, brown hair, a light complexion, is 5-foot-9 and is known to wear contacts or glasses.
He is not believed to be a threat to the public.
