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A former public accountant who stole a million dollars from his clients has been jailed for three years and nine months.
A stock image of a set of scales in a courtroom.
Source: 1 NEWS
Christopher George Wright has been sentenced today in Auckland District Court, after pleading guilty previously to a representative count of theft by a person in a special relationship.
Tax refunds destined for Wright’s clients ended up in his accounting practice’s trust account, the Office of Serious Fraud said.
The 64-year-old Auckland man spent repayments on gambling, friends and family, school fees, and loan payments.
It scammed about 245 clients over a six-year period from January 2010 to April 2016, the OFS said.
OFS Director Julie Read said Wright breached his professional duties and misled his clients for personal gain.
“His offense was a significant breach of trust and he will now suffer the consequences of his actions,” he said.
