The Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD) has fallen victim to a cyber attack, resulting in the theft of approximately $1.2 million through fraudulent wire transfers.
In a statement posted on the district’s website Wednesday, Board President Rusty Burkett described the incident as a “serious criminal activity involving email theft and wire fraud.” Burkett detailed that on December 10, the district was alerted to the situation by Hometown Bank regarding a suspicious wire transfer.
“This incident is part of a troubling pattern, with multiple fraudulent transactions occurring over a brief 20-day period, totaling approximately $1.2 million,” Burkett stated.
The district immediately contacted the Friendswood Police Department, who are now actively investigating. Authorities are working to determine how the fraud occurred, recover the stolen funds, and identify those responsible.
The district assured taxpayers that it is taking all necessary measures to address the breach and protect the community’s financial interests moving forward. “We are focused on recovering the lost taxpayer funds and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” Burkett concluded.
The Friendswood Police Department has not yet released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.
