Bank Teller Stole Over $1M, Faked Reports to Cover His Tracks!
A former bank employee, Acebo, is facing serious charges after allegedly stealing over $1 million from the vault and forging records to hide his crime.
How He Pulled Off the Heist
Acebo’s job required him to count and report cash in the bank's vault daily. However, investigators say he manipulated records and forged his supervisor’s signature to cover up the missing funds.
In a bold move to keep his scheme undetected, Acebo asked for an exemption from a New York banking regulation that requires employees in sensitive positions to take at least two consecutive weeks off per year. This rule, enforced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, is designed to uncover financial crimes when the employee is absent. His request was denied, setting the stage for his downfall.
The Discovery
The theft came to light in December 2023, when another teller counted the vault cash and found only $100,000, despite Acebo’s reports stating there was $1,145,050 inside.
📹 Caught on Camera:
- Video footage allegedly shows Acebo practicing his supervisor’s signature at work.
- Surveillance captured him stuffing money into a backpack or hiding it in his sock while pretending to tie his shoe before leaving.
Between June 1st and December 17th, Acebo allegedly deposited $600,000 into various ATMs across the state, attempting to launder the stolen money.
The Arrest & Charges
Acebo was arrested and charged with embezzlement and misapplication by a bank officer in a U.S. District Court in White Plains, New York. If convicted, he faces serious federal penalties.
The case highlights the importance of internal banking controls and how fraudsters often slip through the cracks—until they get caught.
