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3 clusters · 4 sources · 27 days · First seen · Last updated

National Gallery of Victoria theft investigation

Overview

James Hosking, the former head of IT at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 20 following charges related to the alleged theft of approximately $8 million from the institution.

Through ‘Operation Sonder’, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) alleges that between September 2019 and September 2025, Hosking used an NGV account to purchase mobile phones via hundreds of fraudulent invoices, which were then sold for personal gain. The matter was reportedly brought to the NGV’s attention by Telstra’s fraud squad in September 2025. While the NGV holds an art collection valued at $4.8 billion, officials confirmed the collection was not affected.

Hosking faces seven counts of theft and one count of misconduct in public office. During the court proceedings, his lawyer, Josh Smith, stated that his client has been ‘incredibly co-operative’ with the IBAC investigation and has been ‘very forthcoming’ during interviews. As a result of the proceedings, Hosking has been ordered to surrender his passport and is currently banned from leaving the country.

Entities

Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission · National Gallery of Victoria · James Hosking · Tony Ellwood · Telstra

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Former NGV IT chief faces court over alleged $8m theft

    Former National Gallery of Victoria IT chief James Michael Hosking appeared in court charged with allegedly stealing $8 million in mobile phones through the misuse of his position.

  2. [CRIME] 4 sources
    James Hosking accused of stealing $8 million from National Gallery of Victoria

    Former National Gallery of Victoria IT chief James Hosking faces charges for allegedly stealing $8 million through hundreds of fraudulent mobile phone invoices.

  3. [CRIME] 2 sources
    National Gallery of Victoria staffer charged with $8m theft

    A former senior National Gallery of Victoria employee faces charges for allegedly stealing $8 million through a mobile phone scheme between 2019 and 2025.

Sources

americanindependent.com · artnews.com · m.smh.com.au · theage.com.au

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history