NSW Police arrest man over Cronulla RSL theft allegations, club confirms multi-year financial loss
A former Cronulla RSL employee has been charged with fraud after allegedly skimming more than $360,000 from the business.
In a statement, NSW Police said they arrested a 26-year-old man at Kogarah Police Station on Wednesday morning following an investigation by Sutherland Shire Police Area Command detectives.
The man was charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial benefit by fraud and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and appeared at Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday.
He will return to Downing Center Local Court on June 4.
Police allege the fraudulent transactions took place between October 27, 2025 and February 14, 2026, while the man was working at the licensed premises, resulting in direct losses to the club of $367,230.
In a statement to members, Cronulla RSL said they first detected the alleged “suspicious activity” and “reported the alleged theft of funds to NSW Police”.
“Following a police investigation, a person has been arrested and charged with various theft and fraud charges,” club president John Brown and CEO Nathan Whiteside said in a statement. he said.
“The extent of this theft will be reported in our annual report, which will be published in the coming weeks.”
“A total of $1.46 million over 2 years.”
NewsWire has contacted Cronulla RSL for further comment on the figures cited in their statement.
The duo said in a statement that the news “is likely to be disturbing news to many in the Cronula RSL community.”
The statement continues: “We are unable to share further details about the alleged theft at this stage, but rest assured we will inform our members of this matter at the appropriate time.”
The club emphasized that it is committed to providing quality services and experiences to members, their guests and the wider community.
