Home / Crime and Justice / NGV Employee Accused of $8M Phone Heist
NGV Employee Accused of $8M Phone Heist
20 Oct
Summary
- Former NGV employee charged with theft and misconduct.
- Alleged $8 million in mobile phones bought and sold.
- Accused was IT chief; banned from leaving Australia.
A former IT chief at the National Gallery of Victoria, James Michael Hosking, has been charged with theft and misconduct in public office. Authorities allege he orchestrated a scheme to purchase and sell approximately $8 million worth of mobile phones using an NGV account over a six-year period, spanning from September 2019 to September 2025. IBAC also contends that Hosking misused his position to conceal these fraudulent activities. Hosking's defense lawyer stated his client has been cooperative with the investigation and is a hardworking family man facing the consequences.
Hosking appeared in court on Tuesday and was released on bail. Conditions of his release include surrendering his passport, prohibiting him from attending international departure points, and barring him from leaving Australia. The investigation, codenamed Operation Sonder, was initiated in September 2025. Telstra's fraud squad reportedly alerted the NGV to the alleged fraud involving fake invoices. The NGV confirmed Hosking was terminated in September 2025 after the alleged offending was reported. He is scheduled to appear in court again in January.
