A solicitor in Sydney has been charged after police alleged he diverted almost $15 million from his clients at a law firm in Bondi Junction to gamble online.
The NSW Police said Strike Force Salbrook, led by the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad was established in September 2025 after a referral from the NSW Law Society about the solicitor’s activities.
The 45 year old solicitor allegedly accessed a number of business and trust accounts between April 2023 and February 2025 and paid the money into his own accounts.
Police will allege the total amount of $14.8 million was used for gambling.
The solicitor, who has been named by the ABC as Benjamin Paul Reid, was arrested at around 10 A.M. on Thursday at Maroubra Police Station and charged with four counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Detective Superintendent explained in a police statement: “Solicitors have an extraordinary level of trust within our community and the level of alleged misconduct that has been identified by Salbrook is very concerning.”
The ABC reported that Mr. Reid was released on bail with strict conditions, which included not engaging in any gambling related activity and not engaging in any employment that relates to financial issues.
He is scheduled to appear in court again on March 12.
Superintendent Arbinja also told the ABC that a large amount of the money was repaid with the assistance of Mr. Reid’s father, but the matter would be taken up with the courts.
