Story perspectives

Ex-Covid Official Sentenced for $1.8M Fraud

12/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Alister Thorby, a former Covid managed isolation service lead, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for stealing over $1.8 million from two District Health Boards in New Zealand.
He submitted fraudulent invoices for non-existent services between October 2021 and June 2022.
Judge Bruce Northwood criticized Thorby for exploiting government trust during a vulnerable period.
The judge rejected claims that stolen funds were used for community resources.

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Story summary

Alister Thorby, a former Covid managed isolation service lead, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for stealing over $1.8 million from two District Health Boards in New Zealand.
He submitted fraudulent invoices for non-existent services between October 2021 and June 2022.
Judge Bruce Northwood criticized Thorby for exploiting government trust during a vulnerable period.
The judge rejected claims that stolen funds were used for community resources.