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Bank Operations Analyst Diverted Millions Through Hundreds of Small Transfers

Police say the scheme exploited staff access to move millions into personal accounts, a case that highlights gaps in internal controls and is now the subject of a criminal probe.

Overview

  • Investigators say Lorena Rosa Malú Canales Cerdán used her role as an operations analyst to send hundreds of unauthorized transfers from client-linked accounts into eight accounts she controlled.
  • Authorities report she made 455 small transfers designed to avoid detection and accumulated roughly S/6.5–S/6.7 million before the bank’s internal audit flagged irregularities.
  • A PNP/Dirincri operation recovered about S/6.2 million and seized evidence including three bank manager’s checks for US$180,000 each during a search in Lince.
  • The worker admitted the transfers to police and faces charges including aggravated theft and electronic fraud while continuing the judicial process free pending further action.
  • The case exposes how privileged internal access and transaction structuring can defeat controls and has prompted investigators to trace spending, possible property purchases, and any other people involved.