An accountant in the UK who stole £2.4m ($3.2m) while working for a family-run business has been jailed for five years. Jemma Lewis used the money mostly to gamble, make risky investments, and to pay for luxury vacations.
She worked for the firm for more than a decade, starting out as a secretary before securing her accountancy qualifications. The firm’s boss James Davies said Lewis was like family, and her actions hurt a lot of people. Her theft led to a director not getting their salary in another department, and an employee not receiving a pension.
noticed a large number of third-party payments after moving their system to online banking
The firm grew suspicious when they noticed a large number of third-party payments after moving their system to online banking. Lewis resigned and when she sent her account details to get severance, the boss noticed similarities between the account number and the one that received other payments.
It turned out that Lewis spent at least £1.4m ($1.9m) gambling, with her legal counsel noting that she’s been treated for gambling addiction.
