Fjárdráttur

Fjárdráttur is an Icelandic term that translates to embezzlement or misappropriation of funds. It refers to the act of wrongfully taking or using money or property that has been entrusted to one's care for another person or entity. This is a form of financial crime that can occur in various contexts, including within companies, organizations, or public institutions.

The core of fjárdráttur involves a breach of trust. The perpetrator typically has a legal or ethical obligation to manage or protect the assets in question. Instead of acting in the best interest of the owner, they divert these assets for their personal gain. This can manifest in numerous ways, such as falsifying financial records, creating fraudulent invoices, or simply taking funds directly.

In Icelandic law, fjárdráttur is a criminal offense with potential penalties that can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime and the amount of money or property involved. The investigation and prosecution of such cases often require detailed forensic accounting and a thorough examination of financial transactions and documentation. Proving fjárdráttur generally involves demonstrating that the accused had access to the funds, acted with intent to defraud, and that the funds were indeed misappropriated.