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  $600k Stolen from Church's Bank Account

KCCI
August 31 2010

http://www.kcci.com/r/24783206/detail.html

The Diocese of Des Moines said Friday that it is missing $600,000 from its bank account.

Officials said criminals illegally obtained its banking information on Aug. 13 and Aug. 16 in order to transfer more than $600,000 of diocesan funds to numerous recipients across the United States.

The diocese was notified for the transfer by Bankers Trust on Aug. 17. Officials said all relevant bank accounts were shut down and the bank immediately initiated the process of recovering funds where possible.

Officials said that as of Friday approximately $180,000 has been recovered.

The FBI has begun its investigation, taking possession of several diocesan computers.

Law enforcement has advised the diocese that the sophisticated operation most likely is based overseas. They said no staff members are suspected of being involved.

"While the Diocese of Des Moines is protected by insurance and anticipates the restoration of the funds, we have been advised that such criminal activity is rampant. Obviously, any entity that experiences such a crime should be significantly concerned. We trust, however, that legal authorities are doing all they can to investigate this matter, and hope for a day when such criminal activity is eradicated," said Bishop Richard Pates, the Bishop of Des Moines said.

The diocese serves more than 97,000 Catholics in 82 parishes spread across 23 Iowa counties. It also runs 18 schools.

 
 

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