What is Embezzlement

Quick Summary:

Embezzlement is a type of financial fraud that involves misappropriating funds or property that have been entrusted to an individual. This can occur in a variety of settings, including corporations, non-profit organizations, and even within families. The key element of embezzlement is the abuse of a position of trust, and the unauthorized use of funds or property for personal gain.

Elements of the Crime

For a prosecution of embezzlement to succeed, the following elements must be present:

1. An individual was entrusted with property or funds.
2. The defendant used that property or funds for their own personal gain, without the owner’s consent.
3. The defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property or funds.

It is important to note that the defendant must have been in a position of trust with the owner of the property or funds, and that their actions must have been intentional and unauthorized. Merely making a mistake or using the funds for a different purpose than originally intended is not enough to meet the definition of embezzlement.

Types of Embezzlement

There are several different types of embezzlement, including:

1. Employee embezzlement: This occurs when an employee misuses company funds or property for their own personal gain.
2. Corporate embezzlement: This occurs when a corporate officer or executive misuses company funds or resources for their own personal gain.
3. Charity embezzlement: This occurs when someone misuses funds from a charity for their own personal gain.
4. Public embezzlement: This occurs when a public official misuses government funds or resources for their own personal gain.

Punishments for Embezzlement

The punishment for embezzlement can vary depending on the amount of money or property involved, and the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed. In general, embezzlement is considered a serious crime and is punished accordingly.

In the United States, embezzlement is typically considered a felony, and those convicted of the crime can face a range of penalties, including:

1. Imprisonment: Those convicted of embezzlement can face significant time in prison, often several years or more.
2. Fines: In addition to imprisonment, those convicted of embezzlement may be required to pay substantial fines.
3. Restitution: Restitution may be ordered in embezzlement cases, requiring the defendant to repay the victim for their losses.

Examples of Embezzlement

There have been many high-profile embezzlement cases in recent years, including:

1. Bernard Madoff: Madoff was a prominent Wall Street financier who was convicted of running a massive Ponzi scheme. He was sentenced to 150 years in prison for his crimes.
2. Dennis Kozlowski: Kozlowski was the former CEO of Tyco International, who was convicted of looting the company of hundreds of millions of dollars. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his crimes.
3. Scott London: London was a former accounting partner at KPMG who was convicted of insider trading. He was sentenced to 14 months in prison for his crimes.

Reporting Embezzlement

If you believe that you have been the victim of embezzlement, it is important to report the crime as soon as possible. You can do this by contacting law enforcement, or by speaking with an attorney who specializes in financial fraud.

In addition to reporting the crime, there are several steps that you can take to protect yourself and your finances. These include:

1. Documenting the incident: Make sure to keep records of any transactions or activities that you believe are related to the embezzlement. This will be helpful for law enforcement as they investigate the crime.
2. Protecting your assets: If you are concerned about losing access to your funds, you may want to consider closing your accounts or moving your funds to a new institution.
3. Seeking legal advice: Speaking with an attorney who specializes in financial fraud can help you understand your rights and options, and can help you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your finances.

When to Contact an Attorney

If you believe that you have been the victim of embezzlement, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the legal process, and can help you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your finances.

An attorney can also help you pursue legal action against the person who committed the embezzlement, and can help you seek compensation for your losses. Whether you need help reporting the crime, protecting your assets, or pursuing legal action, an attorney can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that your rights are protected.