Top Coles executive escapes long jail term despite committing 'bizarre' theft at work
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Coles is one of the biggest retailers in Australia, with over 800 stores nationwide and annual revenues of billions.
So it came as a shock to learn that one of their top executives, Aaron Baslangic, had committed brazen theft from the company.
Baslangic, a 40-year-old former executive at Coles Supermarkets, recently got caught out for stealing $1.9 million from the company.
Yes, you read that right—almost two million dollars.
Baslangic, Coles' Head of Strategic Initiatives Division, is said to have made 14 fraudulent payments from Coles and into their personal bank account. His scheme was quickly uncovered. Shortly after, he owned up to his crimes.
When the case came to court, Judge Duncan Allen described the case as being 'extremely unsophisticated offending'.
'You made no attempt to hide where the funds were being deposited,' the Judge said.
'They were placed into an account in your name.'
Baslangic has since paid the company back about $1.3 million.
The former executive also pleaded guilty before the Victorian County Court to charges of obtaining financial advantage and property by deception.
However, Judge Allen said that he was unable to explain why Baslangic did the crime other than to say that he was not in the right state of mind.
The presiding judge cited the fact that Baslangic had been suffering from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder, a result of his time in the Turkish military—where he was discharged after being shot—and a difficult childhood.
Baslangic immigrated to Australia in 2011 and joined the company in 2014, however, due to his increasing workload and long days at work, he began feeling overwhelmed, as noted by Judge Allen.
The judge also added that Baslangic was also supporting his former wife through her own health issues, all while seeking support for his poor mental health.
'There is no doubt in my mind the combination of the psychological, mental, emotional, financial and work-related pressures in your life did lead and explain your bizarre conduct,' said Judge Allen.
From there, the circumstances surrounding the case were weighed to determine a sentence for Baslangic’s crimes.
The court accepted his remorse was genuine and noted that he would find jail time more challenging than the average person due to his PTSD. His prospects for rehabilitation were also deemed to be excellent.
In the end, Baslangic was sentenced to three years and six months in jail and will be eligible for parole after just 20 months.
The former executive has also already served four months in pre-sentence detention.
We urge anyone in a similar state of mind or financial hardship to seek support without resorting to desperate and illegal measures.
So if you or a loved one need help with a mental health issue, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or MensLine on 1300 78 99 78 for confidential support and advice.
Members, what are your thoughts on this latest news? Let us know in the comments below!
So it came as a shock to learn that one of their top executives, Aaron Baslangic, had committed brazen theft from the company.
Baslangic, a 40-year-old former executive at Coles Supermarkets, recently got caught out for stealing $1.9 million from the company.
Yes, you read that right—almost two million dollars.
Baslangic, Coles' Head of Strategic Initiatives Division, is said to have made 14 fraudulent payments from Coles and into their personal bank account. His scheme was quickly uncovered. Shortly after, he owned up to his crimes.
The sentence of a former Coles top executive who committed theft was reduced. Image source: Shutterstock (left), Racool_studio on Freepik (right).
When the case came to court, Judge Duncan Allen described the case as being 'extremely unsophisticated offending'.
'You made no attempt to hide where the funds were being deposited,' the Judge said.
'They were placed into an account in your name.'
Baslangic has since paid the company back about $1.3 million.
The former executive also pleaded guilty before the Victorian County Court to charges of obtaining financial advantage and property by deception.
However, Judge Allen said that he was unable to explain why Baslangic did the crime other than to say that he was not in the right state of mind.
The presiding judge cited the fact that Baslangic had been suffering from diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder, a result of his time in the Turkish military—where he was discharged after being shot—and a difficult childhood.
Baslangic immigrated to Australia in 2011 and joined the company in 2014, however, due to his increasing workload and long days at work, he began feeling overwhelmed, as noted by Judge Allen.
The judge also added that Baslangic was also supporting his former wife through her own health issues, all while seeking support for his poor mental health.
'There is no doubt in my mind the combination of the psychological, mental, emotional, financial and work-related pressures in your life did lead and explain your bizarre conduct,' said Judge Allen.
From there, the circumstances surrounding the case were weighed to determine a sentence for Baslangic’s crimes.
The court accepted his remorse was genuine and noted that he would find jail time more challenging than the average person due to his PTSD. His prospects for rehabilitation were also deemed to be excellent.
In the end, Baslangic was sentenced to three years and six months in jail and will be eligible for parole after just 20 months.
The former executive has also already served four months in pre-sentence detention.
We urge anyone in a similar state of mind or financial hardship to seek support without resorting to desperate and illegal measures.
So if you or a loved one need help with a mental health issue, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or MensLine on 1300 78 99 78 for confidential support and advice.
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