Former Surrey employee charged after police probe alleged $2.5M municipal fraud

Surrey police say a former municipal staff member is facing several criminal charges after an investigation into what officials describe as a multi-year fraud that cost the city an estimated $2.5 million. The case began last year when the City of Surrey reported financial irregularities involving its internal payment systems.

According to the Surrey Police Service, the RCMP’s economic crimes unit examined allegations that the employee had gained unauthorized access to municipal financial platforms and created fraudulent documentation connected to her duties. Investigators allege the actions took place over an extended period before the city detected the discrepancies.

The BC Prosecution Service has approved four charges against 40-year-old Sunny Catlin, including fraud, breach of trust, forgery, fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000. Police say the allegations involve the unauthorized issuance and depositing of city cheques intended for personal benefit. Catlin’s first court appearance is scheduled for December 2.

Mayor Brenda Locke said she could not comment while the matter is before the courts, but she acknowledged the work of investigators and emphasized that the city remains committed to transparency and accountability. Municipal financial oversight has been a recurring point of public concern in Surrey as the city transitions between policing models and reviews administrative processes.