Mishcon de Reya has successfully concluded a private prosecution on behalf of an investment fund manager that had been the victim of a substantial fraud perpetrated by a former employee.
The defendant had, over a period of more than nine years, manipulated company records to disguise a significant foreign currency fraud, as well as misusing the company’s credit card and expenses system. It was also revealed that the defendant had doctored pay slips and other company records in support of a fraudulent mortgage application.
Following a detailed investigation, which included expert forensic accountancy evidence, the defendant was charged with a number of offences contrary to the Fraud Act 2006.
In due course the defendant pleaded guilty to four offences, which properly reflected the complexity, diversity and longevity of her offending, as well as the gross breach of trust involved.
She was subsequently sentenced to a period of imprisonment of four and a half years.