MU probe into suspected embezzlement turned over to federal authorities

A University of Missouri probe into the suspected misappropriation of funds by a former employee has been handed over to federal authorities.

On July 25 MU Police said they were investigating the suspected embezzlement from student organization accounts affiliated with Greek Life. A press release Thursday stated the investigation had been turned over to federal authorities “because the former employee’s actions might have violated federal laws.”

University officials were unable to say Friday which Greek organizations were involved, or to specify what federal agency is looking into the incident.

Christian Basi, spokesman for the university, said MU would not know how much money was involved until an investigation was complete.

An earlier press release on the launch of the initial MU Police investigation said the funds did not come from university accounts, “but instead are external to the university.”

The release said that if a crime was committed, the university would “encourage prosecution of these crimes to the fullest extent possible.”

The employee accused in the case was terminated by the university.

As a result of the case, the university is reviewing policies and changing the way external accounts affiliated with student organizations are managed.

This story was originally published August 4, 2017 at 10:33 AM with the headline "MU probe into suspected embezzlement turned over to federal authorities."