Embezzlement is a serious white-collar crime under Australian criminal law. It involves the fraudulent misappropriation of property or funds by someone who has been entrusted with them—typically an employee, company director, financial controller, or agent.

While embezzlement often overlaps with offences like fraud, theft, and dishonest misappropriation, it’s distinct in that the offender originally had lawful access or control over the property before abusing that trust.

This guide explains what embezzlement is, how charges are laid, how courts handle these offences, available legal defences, and the applicable laws and penalties across each Australian state and territory.

What Is Embezzlement in Australia?

Embezzlement occurs when someone:

• Lawfully receives money or property on behalf of another person or business

• Then dishonestly uses, keeps, or diverts it for their own gain

Common examples include:

• An employee stealing from a till or business account

• A company director misappropriating client funds

• A bookkeeper redirecting payments to personal accounts

• Falsifying accounting records to conceal theft

The prosecution must prove:

1. The accused was entrusted with money or property

2. They dishonestly appropriated it

3. With intent to permanently deprive the owner

How Are Embezzlement Charges Laid?

Embezzlement cases are typically discovered through:

• Internal financial audits

• Complaints from employers, clients, or shareholders

• Whistleblowers or co-workers

• Banking irregularities or missing funds

• Forensic accounting investigations

Police or regulatory agencies (e.g. ASIC) may then lay charges after gathering:

• Bank statements and transaction records

• Email trails or accounting software logs

• Surveillance footage or witness statements

Court Process for Embezzlement Charges

Embezzlement is considered an indictable offence, and is prosecuted in:

• Local/Magistrates’ Court – for low-value matters

• District/County or Supreme Court – for high-value or complex cases

The process includes:

1. First appearance – Plea entered

2. Brief of evidence – Disclosed by the prosecution

3. Committal hearing or trial

4. Sentencing – Based on amount, breach of trust, and prior record

Penalties may be harsher where the accused was in a position of trust (e.g. employee, director, or agent).

Available Defences to Embezzlement

Common legal defences include:

• Lack of dishonest intent – The funds were used temporarily or mistakenly

• Authorisation – You had permission to move or use the funds

• No appropriation – You didn’t receive or control the funds

• Mistaken belief in entitlement – You believed you were owed the money

• Duress or coercion – You were pressured into acting dishonestly

• Mental impairment – Affects your understanding or decision-making