Financial fraud case concludes in court

A financial fraud case involving a funeral services company in Villefranche-sur-Saône concluded in court on Tuesday, October 20. Two former officials appeared before the criminal court for acts committed between 2021 and 2023. The amounts involved exceeded 211,000 euros.

Embezzlement amounts and roles

The manager, aged 46, had embezzled 149,000 euros, while the director, aged 36, had deposited 62,000 euros from client checks into his personal account. The total amount involved in the fraud was more than 211,000 euros.

Differing accounts of the fraud

At the trial, the former colleagues provided different versions of the origin of these embezzlements. The manager explained that she initially managed the company alone before hiring a director. According to her, it was this latter person who established practices allowing for the diversion of certain payments and the concealment of part of the activity.

Director's version of events

On the other hand, the director stated that the fraudulent practices were encouraged by his superior. She had allegedly asked him to leave the check order fields blank when clients provided them. This method allowed for the misdirection of funds.

Legal consequences and outcomes

Since the events, the two former officials have almost fully settled the penalties and tax adjustments related to this case. The Calados court ultimately sentenced the two defendants to six months in prison with suspended sentences each.

Professional restrictions avoided

The manager was found guilty of misappropriation of company assets, while the director was convicted of complicity. However, the judges decided not to prohibit them from practicing their profession. They also planned an exclusion from the criminal record to avoid compromising their professional reintegration.