Alderman Burgelis calls for accountability after attempted $460,000 wire fraud in city financial offices

Alderman Peter Burgelis is demanding accountability after a $460,000 wire fraud incident involving the City of Milwaukee Comptroller’s and Treasurer’s Offices. The loss of public funds was only prevented because of the swift and professional intervention of the Milwaukee Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit, which successfully recovered the money.

“This was not just an accounting error, this was wire fraud,” Alderman Burgelis said. “City offices responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars must have the highest standards of security and oversight. A failure of this scale undermines public trust and exposes our city to risks we entrust the Comptroller’s Office to avoid.”

“I want to thank MPD’s Financial Crimes Unit for protecting the people of Milwaukee,” he said. “Their expertise and dedication prevented a massive financial loss to our city.”

Alderman Burgelis is thankful for the swift review of internal financial controls in both the Comptroller’s and Treasurer’s Offices, as well as full accountability for those responsible.

“Closing the gaps that allowed this wire fraud to nearly succeed is the first step,” Alderman Burgelis added. “Milwaukee taxpayers deserve transparency, oversight, and the assurance that their money is safe. Accountability is non-negotiable.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.