A University of Otago staff member was escorted from the University campus by security guards last week, as police began investigating an alleged major fraud that was uncovered by an internal University audit in June.
National Radio has reported that between $200,000 and $300,000 was allegedly stolen over several years.
A University spokesperson confirmed that the matter was handed over to police last week. Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis says police began investigating on Thursday July 19 after the University laid a formal complaint against the staff member earlier that day.
University Council members were apparently informed that the suspected fraud had occurred at their last meeting. However, it is not clear why there was a gap between the Council being informed and the matter being handed over to police.
Critic has received reliable information that the alleged fraudster worked as an Accounts Manager in the University’s Financial Services Division. The man’s name has now been removed from the Financial Services staff directory.
Speaking to Critic, Det. Snr. Sgt. Croudis declined to confirm the identity of the alleged fraudster. Becoming increasingly amused with Critic’s requests for confidential information, Croudis taunted this knowledge-hungry reporter that the investigation was going “swimmingly”, and that “tons of relevant information has come to light”. However, charges have not yet been laid, and “no one has been arrested yet”.
The alleged fraudster’s Facebook page provides a tantalising hint that he may have been fond of a flutter – one of the only two pages he has “liked” is that of Slotomania, an App available for Facebook, iPhone and Android in which users can spend real money purchasing coins to use in virtual slot machines. Critic tried to think of a stupider way to spend stolen money, but was unable to do so by the time the magazine went to print.
University Staff Member Receives C+ in FRAUD101
Points Were Deducted For Getting Caught
