Alcohol Industry Employee Swiped Costly Whiskies for Persistent Gambling Habit
In a shocking turn of events, Andrew Grant, a 44-year-old employee of Whisky Auctioneer Ltd, has been sentenced for stealing 45 rare bottles of whiskey and other spirits worth hundreds or thousands of pounds each. The theft occurred between 17 August and 22 December 2021.
Grant, who had security clearance that granted him access to the rare bottles' storage area, duped his relatives into believing he was buying the bottles for collectors at a huge discount from Whisky Auctioneer. In reality, he sold them to various auction houses, including his own employer, making a profit of £24,500 ($31,531).
Police Scotland's investigation found that 60% of any payments received were transferred to Grant. Four people sold the missing bottles via different whisky auctions, but the search results do not contain information about their identities.
Grant was placed under supervision for three years and ordered to complete 300-hours of unpaid work by Sheriff Bain. He was also instructed to pay £2,000 ($1,303) in compensation to Whisky Auctioneer.
Sheriff Bain KC stated that Grant breached the trust of Whisky Auctioneer by stealing premium-priced goods from them. The electronic records did not match, indicating the theft. It was further revealed that Grant was responsible for failing to install a whisky tracking process at Whisky Auctioneer.
Grant's gambling addiction was a major factor in his actions. He has since sought help and attends Gamblers Anonymous on a weekly basis.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the consequences of actions that betray trust. The whisky industry, known for its rich history and tradition, has been shaken by this incident, but it also presents an opportunity for strengthening security measures and promoting ethical practices.
