Woman charged after Edmonton charity defrauded more than $ 200K – Edmonton | The Canadian News

A 43-year-old woman was charged with theft and fraud-related crimes after an Edmonton charity was defrauded of more than $ 200,000.

The investigation dates back to October 2020, when police say the Alberta Foster and Kinship Association (AFKA) reported that they had discovered that their accountant was allegedly transferring funds from one of the charity’s accounts to their personal accounts.

Police allege that the transfers occurred between November 8, 2019, and October 26, 2020.

In a press release Tuesday morning, police said the employee did not show up for her shift when a financial audit was underway at AFKA. This led the organization to discover the fraudulent activity.

The Edmonton police investigation revealed that the money was allegedly transferred electronically to various accounts registered and controlled by the employee. The total loss to the company was $ 209,000.

Police say AFKA has cooperated fully throughout the investigation.

“We really feel sorry for them, as that’s the last thing you want to find out about an employee,” Const. Shawn Joseph said in a press release.

“We suggest that organizations segregate their accounting functions and use a system of checks and balances to ensure that no one person has control over multiple important parties to a financial transaction.

“Part of that includes technology; install computer security measures and understand these computer systems and programs and how they can be used to divert money or inventory. Restrict access to registers and computer terminals, periodically change entry codes, and regularly check that security procedures are in place. “

On October 7, 2021, Brenda Rabie was charged with theft of more than $ 5,000 and fraud of more than $ 5,000.