Extensive Frauds in Glasgow

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 1443, 1 September 1885, Page 4

Extensive Frauds in Glasgow

An extensive system of fraud has been discovered by the heads of one of the oldest warehouse firms in Glasgow. The defalcations, it is reported, amount to £10,000 or £15,000 ; but as no complaint has been lodged with the criminal authorities, it is difficult to ascertain the exact particulars. It has transpired, however, that the thefts run over a series of years, and they appear to have been effected by several of the trusted hands inside the warehouse leaguing themselves together and passing goods to outside representatives in other parts of the kingdom, where they wore disposed of in due course, and the funds transmitted to a head centre, who made the distributions. The manner of the discovery is said to have been very simple. A young man in the service was replaced by another, who found that the parcels passed on to him did not tally with the invoices, and reported the discrepancies. One or two of those concerned — the number in all is given as seven — have been from 10 to 20 years in the firm's employ, and more than one hold high office in connection with local churches. All were regarded as strictly honorable, and in respect of those who were prominent church officebearers they were held in some esteem by a wide circle of friends. One of the men most deeply indicated, who was a traveller in Ireland hail committed suicide It is understood that the greater part of the money is wasted in speculation, chiefly on horse-racing.