Former NGV IT chief faces court over $8 million phone theft scheme
James Hosking, the NGV's former IT chief, faced court over allegedly buying $8 million in stolen phones.
James Hosking was charged with theft and misconduct in public office. Police allege the scheme ran from September 2019 to September 2025.
It involved fraudulent invoices for mobile phones worth about $8 million. Hosking was ordered to surrender his passport.
He cannot leave Australia or visit airports or shipping docks. Hosking's lawyer said he had been cooperative with the anti-corruption investigation and is a hard-working family man.
The NGV fired him in September 2025 after the alleged offending was reported. A source said Telstra's fraud squad alerted the gallery to the scheme.
The case returns to court in January.
- $8 million in phones
- Amount stolen
- September 2019 to September 2025
- Scheme duration
- Seven theft, one misconduct
- Criminal charges
- James Michael Hosking
- Former employee
Why it mattersHigh-profile fraud at a major cultural institution raises questions about internal financial controls and oversight.
AustraliaThe NGV's $4.8 billion art collection was not affected; the scheme involved only mobile phones purchased under the gallery's account.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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