Accountant accused of $2m fraud

The Serious Fraud Office has charged a Kapiti Coast accountant alleging fraud amounting to more than $2 million.

Ian Victor Petersen, 61, from Waikanae, is accused of misuse of clients' fund while acting as an accountant, tax agent and investment advisor.

The $2m figure includes an amount written off by Inland Revenue in respect of a tax liability, the SFO said in a statement.

Petersen appeared in Porirua District Court charged with 13 counts of theft by a person required to account, 20 counts of theft by a person in a special relationship, one count of using a document with intent to defraud, and one of dishonestly using a document.

He was remanded on bail without plea to reappear on August 20.

- NZPA