Ex-SFU Manager Charged With Fraud, Theft Allegations
A former manager at Simon Fraser University (SFU) is facing criminal charges in British Columbia, accused of fraud and theft after allegations she misused nearly $200,000 in university funds over several years.
The charges were filed in B.C. provincial court and stem from alleged actions while the accused worked at SFU’s School for the Contemporary Arts. Legal proceedings are ongoing and the case has drawn scrutiny over internal controls and oversight at the institution.
University Accused Her of Misusing Funds
According to court documents, the former manager is alleged to have approved invoices beginning in 2018 from a company called “KTS Kreations,” which the university says never performed the work invoiced. SFU claims the entity was linked to the accused and that the payments — roughly $46,500 — were improperly routed to her.
The university also alleges she placed close family members on its payroll for roles such as research and project assistance, resulting in additional payments totaling more than $140,000 to her spouse and stepson. SFU’s civil claim asserts these appointments were inappropriate and tied to the broader scheme.
Further Allegations Include Personal Purchases
Beyond invoices and payroll additions, the civil claim details a range of other alleged misuse. SFU says funds were spent on personal items such as electronics and office equipment, and that student locker fees were deposited into personal accounts. The university says suspicious credit card charges and financial discrepancies were first detected in mid-2023.
The accused has denied the allegations through her legal response to the civil suit, saying at no time did she misuse university funds for personal benefit and asserting SFU lacked proper oversight in monitoring systems.
Legal Process Underway, Next Court Date Set
While the civil lawsuit continues, the criminal matter is moving forward on separate tracks. The former manager is charged with fraud and theft over $5,000, and her next court appearance regarding the criminal charges is scheduled for February 19.
At this stage, the charges have not been tested in court, and the accused’s lawyer had not responded to media requests for comment by publication time.
Broader Questions on Oversight and Controls
The case has sparked broader discussions about financial oversight within institutions and the mechanisms in place to prevent or detect misuse of funds. As proceedings unfold, both civil and criminal, stakeholders will be watching how the allegations are addressed in court and what reforms — if any — may follow.
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