Impact on victims

According to records, the offender’s crimes were eventually uncovered by a colleague who noticed suspicious transactions and reported the matter to the company’s management.

When confronted, the offender made full admissions, revealing that he had used the stolen funds to fuel his gambling addiction.

The court received victim impact statements that revealed the consequences of the offender’s actions. Business owners spoke of sleepless nights, financial uncertainty, and the struggle to maintain their livelihoods in the wake of the thefts.

Some had been forced to sell properties or source extra funds just to keep their businesses afloat. Beyond the financial losses, the victims described the emotional toll of the betrayal. They spoke of shattered trust, increased anxiety, and a sense of anger and frustration. The realization that someone they had worked closely with and held in high regard could commit such acts left them feeling “gutted” and questioning their ability to trust others.

The manager’s gambling addiction

The court looked into the offender’s personal background, including his upbringing in a stable and loving family, his academic achievements, and his seemingly promising career trajectory. However, he had been grappling with a severe gambling addiction.