Definition
Asset Misappropriation refers to the theft or misuse of an organisation’s assets by employees or third parties.
Context
Asset misappropriation includes schemes such as cash theft, expense fraud, and misuse of company resources and is a core category of occupational fraud. It commonly occurs where internal controls are weak or where segregation of duties is insufficient.
Meaning
It results in direct financial losses and indicates weaknesses in control and oversight.
Example
Unauthorized personal expenses charged to a company credit card.
Sources
Suggested citation
wirtschaftsforensik.ch Editorial Team: "Asset Misappropriation", in: Glossary, wirtschaftsforensik.ch, https://wirtschaftsforensik.ch/glossar/asset-misappropriation/, accessed April 18, 2026.