17 year scam | Worker facing jail after embezzling £1m from employer

A council employee man has been convicted of embezzling more than £1 million over the course of almost two decades. 

Michael Paterson, 59, pled guilty to embezzling funds of £1,087,444.47. from Aberdeen City Council between 2006 and 2023.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, prosecutors said Paterson’s role with the council gave him the authority to issue council tax refunds of up to £3,000, without requiring permission from superiors to issue such refunds.

He could also alter payee account details without “authorisation or verification”, allowing him to transfer cash to his own accounts, the court heard.