An Australian man is facing serious charges after detectives uncovered an alleged scheme that saw more than $700,000 vanish from ATMs in New South Wales. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was taken into custody following an investigation into financial discrepancies at several automated machines in Broken Hill.
According to Australian news reports, the Barrier Police District was alerted last week that large amounts of cash were missing. This prompted officers to open a probe, and enquiries pointed to an employee who had access to the ATMs through his work. While news reports did not disclose his job title, authorities allege the man syphoned over $375,000 into his personal and business accounts. Police said that around $326,000 remains missing.
He was apprehended when he attempted to evade police after they showed up at his property. Reports say that when officers moved in on a property connected to the case, the suspect was not home at the time. The suspect was reportedly seen driving toward the location but abruptly left after spotting officers nearby. His vehicle was intercepted on a nearby street, where he was taken into custody.
A search of the car allegedly revealed $6,235 in cash along with ATM security tags and keys, evidence believed to be tied directly to the missing funds. The man was charged with nine counts of larceny greater than $15,000, along with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, and was placed in lockup at the Broken Hill Police Station.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the accused has been granted conditional bail. He is due to face Broken Hill Local Court on September 9, where the case will be outlined in more detail.
Meanwhile, investigators are working to determine what happened to the rest of the missing money. Police say their enquiries remain active as they attempt to trace the outstanding $326,000.
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