Accountant admits stealing millions

A Hamilton accountant siphoned off millions of dollars from a family trust while serving as its administrator. File photo / NZ Herald

A Hamilton accountant has pleaded guilty to stealing approximately $4 million from a family trust.

In his first appearance in the Hamilton District Court today, Gary Soffe admitted nine counts of theft by a person in a special relationship and one charge of obtaining by false accounting and obtaining by deception.

Soffe resigned as the administrator of the family trust earlier this year, with a forensic investigation uncovering his deception.

He has been released on bail and will appear for sentencing on July 21.

- NZ Herald staff