On 19 January, a temporary worker in Sparebank 1 SMN was charged with gross embezzlement and money laundering. On 16 January, he quit his job to focus more on his studies. As a substitute, he studied to become a computer engineer. He already has a bachelor’s degree in economics and administration. The man in his 20s is accused of embezzling nearly NOK 75 million. The embezzlement must have occurred between 16 December 2022 and 19 January 2023. The individual transfers from the bank’s accounts to the defendant’s own accounts varied from a minimum sum of NOK 15,000 to NOK 22,500,000. The money was then transferred to accounts at home and abroad that the defendant managed. For this, he is charged with aggravated money laundering. The defendant is unsure of this, but believes he is guilty of a criminal offence. Previously, he was also accused of defrauding his roommate, but the parties have sorted this out themselves. The bank clerk is nevertheless charged with using a false document, for which he acknowledges criminal liability. In court, it took 15 minutes to read the extensive indictment. But how could it happen that a bank clerk could defraud the bank for NOK 75 million? Partial duty of secrecy for journalists The bank wanted the whole case to go behind closed doors, including to the press. The bank pointed out that information about control routines and security against fraud and money laundering could not be disclosed in open court. Adresseavisen and news complained to the court and received support from both the prosecution and the defense in that as much of the case as possible should go to open court. But the press will be required to remain silent during some of the certificates. news has decided that the journalists will not be present in parts subject to the duty of confidentiality. During the bank employees’ explanations, there will be information about the bank’s security system, routines for processing suspicious transactions and procedures for anti-money laundering.
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