Sydney lawyer charged with allegedly stealing $15m from clients

As named by ABC News, Benjamin Paul Reid was charged by the NSW Police Financial Crimes Squad and appeared in court on Thursday (26 February), facing four counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

The charge follows an investigation launched in September 2025 by the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad under Operation Strike Force Salbrook.

The probe focused on the 45-year-old lawyer’s alleged scheme to access multiple business and trust accounts, transferring funds to himself.

It will be alleged in court that the man stole $14.8 million from his clients between April 2023 and February 2025.

The Sydney lawyer was arrested around 10am on Thursday, 26 February 2026, when Strike Force detectives took him into custody at Maroubra Police Station.

Reid was granted bail on the strict condition that he abstain from all gambling activities and is scheduled to return to court on 12 March.

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Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, Commander of the Financial Crimes Squad, acknowledged that the NSW Law Society played a vital role in assisting police throughout the investigation.

“This arrest is the result of close cooperation between the Financial Crimes Squad and the NSW Law Society,” Superintendent Arbinja said.

“This referral was instrumental in allowing detectives to uncover the full extent of the alleged offending and ensure the matter is now before the court.

“Solicitors hold a position of immense trust within our community, and the alleged conduct identified by Strike Force Salbrook is deeply concerning.”

He added: “The Financial Crimes Squad remains committed to investigating complex fraud matters and ensuring individuals who abuse positions of trust are held accountable.”