Mark Lisberg Christensen, a 38-year-old former CFO, has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined DKK 191 million for embezzlement, VAT fraud, and forgery. The sentence was handed down by the Court in Odense following a confession case, with the Funen Police announcing the verdict.

The court also ruled that Christensen be remanded in custody; however, he has appealed the decision to the Østre Landsret. Christensen is also considering appealing the verdict itself, a decision he must make within two weeks.

The illegal activities took place over a ten-year period during Christensen’s employment with companies including the eyewear group Bellinger and AMVest. His crimes included transferring large sums of money from the companies to his personal account, which is classified as embezzlement.

The VAT fraud occurred in connection with various AMVest subsidiaries, where Christensen served as director or was responsible for finances. He repeatedly reported incorrect amounts to the state in connection with VAT accounts, deliberately defrauding the state of substantial funds.

In September 2023, Fyens Stiftstidende reported that AMVest had terminated half of its staff and dismissed Christensen, who was also reported to the police. AMVest owner Dan Svenningsen described the human failure and consequences as indescribable.

The court has ordered the confiscation of DKK 5.1 million, equivalent to the amount Christensen embezzled. This amount is to be sourced from the equity of four seized properties, valued at nearly DKK 7.5 million in total. In addition to the prison sentence and fine, Christensen is disqualified from participating in the management of commercial enterprises in Denmark or abroad without unlimited personal liability for the company’s obligations.