Misappropriation Lawyers in Newcastle, Sydney, Central Coast

We regularly advise people, directors, companies, business owners and officers who are involved in external investigations and prosecutions, related to the misappropriation of assets and funds, brought by Commonwealth and stage agencies.

Misappropriation Fraud Lawyers in NSW

Our Criminal Law Team can assist you with matters related to the misappropriation of assets & funds, we have the experience and expertise necessary to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

We’ve been defending the people of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and the Hunter region since 1969 and have helped our clients to achieve the best possible outcomes in all Criminal Law matters.

We are used to dealing with the Police, and know all the ‘ins and outs’ of the Courts and Justice system.

If you have been charged with this type of crime, contact our Criminal Law Team today to book a teleconference or appointment. We’ll fight vigorously to protect your freedom and rights.

What is the misappropriation of funds and assets?

The Crimes Amendment (Fraud, Identity and Forgery Offences) Act 2009 amended the Crimes Act by repealing a number of provisions relating to fraud, misappropriation and forgery, replacing them with new fraud and forgery provisions, and inserting offences concerning identity crime. It commenced on 22 February 2010.

The Act inserted Pts 4AA and 4AB. Part 4AA contains the fraud offences and Pt 4AB contains the identity fraud offences. The amendments are said to bring NSW more in line with the national approach to fraud, forgery and identity crimes offences as the offences are modelled on the Model Criminal Code.

Therefore, any misappropriation crimes fall under ‘Fraud’. Please visit our page on fraud for more information.

What is misappropriation fraud?

‘Misappropriation Fraud’ refers to an employee (or third party) abusing their position within an organisation to steal (misappropriate) assets or funds belonging to that organisation through fraudulent activity. This type of crime can be committed by anyone within an organisation, including Directors and Managers.

Typical cases that revolve around the misappropriation of funds or assets relate to employees stealing cash or cash equivalents (vouchers, etc), however, misappropriation also includes stealing an organisation’s data and intellectual property.

This does not include the straight out theft of property or physical assets, like stationery or computer equipment.

This does include false expense claims, false invoices (embezzlement), payroll fraud, lying about qualifications in order to get a job (deception), data theft and extends to organised crime groups infiltrating organisations to steal from within. In every case, the organisation’s cash flow suffers greatly.