A former customer service manager at electronics giant Hisense, has been charged with embezzling over $3.3 million from the company over an eight-year period to sustain her gambling addiction.
By manipulating consumer complaint claims, the known Greek Australian woman allegedly orchestrated hundreds of fraudulent transactions, diverting funds to bank accounts in her family’s name.
The 58-year-old, is said to have abused her position of resolving customer issues that reached the consumer complaints body.
Between 2014 and 2021, she reportedly falsely informed Hisense’s finance director of upheld consumer complaints, leading the company to compensate her with substantial amounts.
Through this scheme, she funneled $3,383,56.96 into 35 separate bank accounts held by her, her husband, and her children.
Unbeknownst to the company, the money was exclusively used for gambling purposes.
During the court hearing at the County Court, the woman’s defense lawyer, Mihal Greener, painted a picture of the accused facing a “perfect storm” of adverse circumstances, which pushed her to seek escape through gambling.
She grappled with challenging family relationships, responsibilities for her children and mother, all of which led her to prioritise her needs recklessly.
Prosecutor Natasa Stevic argued that the accused’s fraudulent activities were extensive and continued over a prolonged period, emphasising that they were not isolated incidents.
Judge Nola Karapanagiotidis acknowledged the woman’s otherwise generous and hardworking nature but pointed out the significant breach of trust and the substantial sum involved.
Despite expressing remorse, she remained somewhat in denial about her actions for her psychological well-being, as she awaited the consequences of her deeds.
The Greek Australian woman pleaded guilty to eight counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception. She will face sentencing at a later date.
The case sheds light on the pervasive and exploitative nature of the gambling industry, which ensnared an otherwise dedicated and family-oriented individual like the accused.
The verdict will play a crucial role in determining the appropriate consequences for the accused while addressing the breach of trust and the impact of gambling addiction on individuals and their families.
