Former funeral administrator shared client data, responsible for over €80,000 in fraud

A former financial administrator at funeral insurance and services company Dela has been held responsible for over 80,000 euros in fraudulent transfers and the unauthorized sharing of confidential client and supplier data, AD reported.

The fraud, which took place between February 2021 and January 2022, came to light when a payment meant for a legitimate supplier was deposited into an unknown KNAB bank account. Because the account was not recognized as belonging to any client or supplier, Dela launched an internal investigation. That inquiry revealed the administrator had shared sensitive client and supplier information—including names, bank accounts, and payment details—with third parties, enabling them to divert funds to fraudulent accounts.

Using this information, accomplices submitted fake invoices and emails. Some payments were approved by the employee himself, resulting in transfers to accounts controlled by criminals. “I looked in the systems and if I saw what they could use, I put that information out on the street,” the administrator admitted.

Following his confession, Dela suspended him immediately and terminated his employment the next day. The company recovered 80,000 euros through account seizures and later discovered an additional 3,000 euros had been transferred to another account. The former employee is now required to pay nearly 78,000 euros in damages, along with 12,800 euros to cover investigation costs.

In March 2024, a civil court ordered the former employee to pay more than 84,000 euros in damages. He appealed, claiming other colleagues were involved and that he acted under pressure. He also argued that his summary dismissal was unjustified. The appellate court rejected these claims, ruling that he deliberately participated in the fraud and that the damages were entirely his responsibility.

Dela emphasized that integrity is central to its operations and that no evidence has been found implicating other employees. “The court has confirmed our decision to terminate his employment was correct,” a spokesperson said. The company also strengthened internal controls to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Separately, the Public Prosecution Service continues to investigate the former administrator for criminal liability. That case remains ongoing and is independent of the civil proceedings.