IT Managers Steals Millions from Employer for Online Sports Betting

38-year-old Jonathan Revill, an IT manager for a UK energy company, was sentenced to 7 years in prison this week for his involvement in a fraud case in which he spent his profits on online gambling. Revill was accused of funneling £18.9 million from his employer, GDF Suez, and spent £300,000 during one session of sports betting online. The IT specialist stole the money from GDF Suez, one of the world's largest companies, while he worked as a service delivery systems manager at its subsidiary business, GDF Suez Energy, based in Leeds, where annual turnover exceeds a billion sterling. Prosecutor Mehran Nassiri explained to the court that Revill faked signatures to place computer equipment orders worth £18.9 million over the course of three years subsequently selling it online via ebay. The investigation uncovered that Revill profited £5.6 million from this scam and used the cash to place bets on tennis, football and baseball at websites like bet365.com. Investigating officer Det Chief Insp Mark Griffin of West Yorkshire Police, said Revill abused his position and “His actions have destroyed his life and affected a number of businesses. This case clearly highlights the very serious consequences of gambling addiction.”