THE MAJOR Investigations Task Force has commenced a probe into the theft of millions of dollars from the Ministry of Finance.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green last night said the probe began a few weeks ago, but was reluctant to state the stage of the investigation.

Minister of Finance Audley Shaw told The Gleaner that the money amounted to $17 million. He said that it went missing between August and October this year.

"I have given instructions that the balance of the money be transferred to the Bank of Jamaica for safekeeping," Mr. Shaw told The Gleaner yesterday.

The money was in the care of the Financial Investigation Division (FID), which is headed by Christine Chambers.

Confirmed by Davies

Former finance minister Omar Davies confirmed that he has heard about the funds going missing.

Dr. Davies, however, noted that "The minister does not have anything to do with the safekeeping of money. It is part of the FID's responsibility. They were retaining the cash as evidence."

Money which is the subject of criminal investigations is held by the FID as evidence until a determination is made by the court.