Paul Quill, a former director at Deloitte, found himself overwhelmed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, dealing with a challenging long-term relationship and deteriorating mental health. In an attempt to regain a sense of control, he misappropriated his work credit card to indulge in extravagant purchases, including art, jewellery, designer clothing, and furniture, totalling nearly $3 million. Quill falsely reported these lavish expenses as business-related, committing a significant act of fraud against his employer.
His deceit involved submitting 368 fraudulent expense claims between August 2018 and February 2022, amounting to over $2.7 million. Quill meticulously disguised his fraudulent transactions as legitimate office expenses such as stationery and photocopying, even creating fake emails to approve the claims. Prior to his misconduct, his monthly expenses were under $10,000, but this figure shockingly soared to over $200,000 in early 2022. Quill’s fraud was eventually uncovered during a routine audit, which scrutinised the suspicious claims he had submitted.
In Melbourne’s County Court, Quill appeared visibly distressed as he received a sentence of three years and six months, with a minimum non-parole period of two years and two months. Judge Samantha Marks emphasised the seriousness of his actions, particularly given his senior position just below partnership, highlighting that he had exploited the trust placed in him.
Quill’s past reveals that he grew up in a nurturing environment but faced persistent bullying throughout his schooling, including instances of homophobic abuse. His long-term relationship, which began in 2007, was described as unbalanced, requiring him to frequently relocate to support his partner’s career advancements. The emotional strain reached a peak following the death of a beloved grandmother in August 2018, coinciding with the start of his fraudulent activities. His mental health further suffered after he broke up with his partner in 2020, exacerbated by the intense pressures of work and isolation during the pandemic.
Psychological reports submitted to the court indicated that Quill’s spending was a misguided attempt to exert control in a tumultuous period. He revealed that his purchasing spree provided fleeting moments of joy, yet ultimately failed to bring him any lasting satisfaction. Although he expressed profound remorse for his actions, the judge noted that such behaviour was out of character for him.
Despite the hardships of imprisonment, particularly concerning his mental health and separation from family and his dog, the court acknowledged the support of his family during the trial. Deloitte has since recouped nearly $1 million from the sale of the goods he purchased fraudulently, with further recoveries in progress. For those in need, support services are available, including a dedicated national helpline.