Former NGV IT chief faces charges over $8 million phone fraud
Former National Gallery of Victoria IT director James Michael Hosking appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after IBAC charged him with theft offences tied to an alleged $8 million mobile-phone scheme.
In a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court hearing, former National Gallery of Victoria IT chief James Michael Hosking was charged after the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) completed Operation Sonder, a six-year probe into alleged fraud. IBAC alleges Hosking orchestrated the acquisition of roughly $8 million in mobile phones for the gallery from 2019 to 2025, then sold the devices for his own benefit and abused his role to conceal the scheme.
The indictment includes seven counts of theft and one count of misconduct in public office. Hosking declined to comment during a brief administrative appearance. Deputy chief magistrate Tim Bourke set bail, requiring Hosking to surrender his passport and remain in the country. The case raises questions about governance and financial oversight at Australia’s oldest art institution.
Why it matters
The alleged misuse of public funds at a major cultural institution highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability.
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