Embezzle

To embezzle means to fraudulently appropriate for one's own use, money or property entrusted to one's care. This typically involves a breach of trust, where an individual in a position of responsibility misuses assets they are managing for another party, such as an employer or organization. The act is often concealed and can involve falsifying records or manipulating accounts to hide the theft. Embezzlement differs from robbery or theft in that the person committing the crime has lawful access to the funds or property initially. It's a white-collar crime with severe legal and reputational consequences.

Embezzle meaning with examples

• The accountant was caught attempting to embezzle company funds by transferring them to a hidden offshore account. Investigations revealed years of elaborate financial manipulation designed to obscure the thefts, leading to both criminal charges and a substantial fine. The discovery shocked the company, leading to an immediate audit and increased oversight of financial practices. The incident eroded the company's trust in its employees.
• After a thorough audit of the charity's books, it was revealed that the treasurer had begun to embezzle donations. Numerous small transfers added up to a significant sum over a few years. The revelation, followed by the treasurer's arrest, left a wake of distrust among donors and volunteers, jeopardizing their community projects. The legal proceedings are ongoing, along with measures to recover the stolen funds and prevent future occurrences.
• The bank teller, tempted by mounting debts, made a plan to embezzle cash from the vault. The teller exploited a loophole in the security system, making a series of small, untraceable transfers. However, the deception was discovered through an internal review that used advanced software and a sharp-eyed supervisor. Facing prosecution, the teller's life took a downward spiral, and the bank reinforced its security protocols.
• The CEO was accused of using company funds to embezzle money for personal investments and lavish expenditures. Shareholders and the board of directors conducted an investigation, which led to a damning report of financial impropriety. The ensuing scandal, with media attention and protests, resulted in the CEO's resignation, pending legal proceedings and a tarnished reputation, affecting all parties involved.
• A lawyer, entrusted with the inheritance of a young child, chose to embezzle the funds allocated to his education and living expenses. The lawyer used the funds to pay off personal debts and finance a luxurious lifestyle. The victim and family were financially devastated by the lawyer's crime, and the criminal trial and the eventual imprisonment of the lawyer brought only limited satisfaction.