Entertainment company Village Roadshow has launched an investigation into allegations staff misused company funds for their personal benefit.
On Wednesday, Village Roadshow chief executive Clark Kirby told employees more than $1 million in inappropriate payments had already been identified, “with the total amount likely to increase as the investigation continues over the coming months”.
Mr Kirby informed employees of the situation in an email, obtained by the ABC.
“We recently identified very concerning serious conduct involving misuse of company funds and resources by [staff]… and, in some cases deliberate misreporting to disguise these activities,” Mr Kirby wrote.
“This conduct is clearly unacceptable and constitutes serious misconduct that will not be tolerated.
“I was shocked to find this had occurred and grateful that it was brought to my, and the board’s attention.”
He said “a confidential independent forensic investigation” was under way to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
“While this behaviour is not representative of our business or our people, it is a clear reminder of the importance of speaking up if something doesn’t seem right,” Mr Kirby wrote.
“We appreciate this news may be difficult, but we are counting on the integrity and professionalism of our very passionate employees to see us through.”
In a statement to the ABC, Mr Kirby said the company had acted “swiftly” and “appropriately”.
“Whilst there will be a period of disruption in one of our divisions, we have an exceptional business and employee base and are focusing on entertaining guests across our theme parks and cinemas over Easter,” he said.
“We cannot comment any more on the details of the investigation which is ongoing.”