Gallery staffer allegedly sold $8m in phones bought with work account

Victoria's corruption watchdog has charged a former National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) employee who allegedly used a work account to purchase millions of dollars worth of mobile phones then sold them for personal gain.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) alleges the scheme took place over several years, amassing about $8 million worth of devices.

IBAC today revealed it had charged the former senior employee with eight offences, including seven counts of theft and one count of misconduct in public office.

The charges were laid as part of Operation Sonder, which was established last year to investigate allegations of corrupt conduct in relation to theft and misuse of the former employee's position in the six years to September 2025.

In a statement today, IBAC said it would be alleged that the employee misused his position to conceal the alleged conduct.

He has been scheduled to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on October 20.