Solomon Harris, the local law firm who employed Michael Levitt as chief financial officer, have issued a press release after his conviction for stealing US$846,000 from them as follows:

“Solomon Harris carried out extensive due diligence on Mr Levitt before offering him employment, including taking up references locally and overseas, obtaining his practising certificates and ensuring he was in good standing professionally.

“Regrettably, Mr Levitt was employed in Cayman for a number of years, including with a financial institution, before taking employment with the firm and was able to obtain a clean police record locally.

“Mr Levitt’s professional qualifications with two South African accountancy bodies were both current during the time that he was employed with us notwithstanding his conviction for fraud in South Africa.

“We applaud Mr Justice Swift’s carefully thought out and well-reasoned judgment. His Lordship’s decision sends out a very clear message to other would-be white collar criminals in these Islands. The firm continues to vigorously pursue full restitution from Mr Levitt’s wrongdoings.”

The release also offered its gratitude to the Financial Crime Unit and the Director of Public Prosecutions for their work on the case.

Levitt was sentenced last Friday (20) to seven and a half years imprisonment and was described as a “sophisticated and calculating” thief.

Please see iNews Cayman story dated September 9 2013 “7 ½ Years jail for financial controller at law firm” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/2013/09/7-½-years-jail-for-financial-controller-at-law-firm/