Daria Sewell, a former employee of TD Bank, has been criminally indicted in New York for allegedly stealing personal customer data while working in the bank’s anti-money laundering department. Sewell, who worked at TD Bank from 2023 until May 2024, faces charges for unlawfully possessing personal identifying information and distributing it on Telegram.
According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Sewell misused her position to access sensitive customer data, including names, addresses, and social security numbers. This information was reportedly shared on a Telegram channel Sewell operated, where she instructed others to open bank accounts and deposit stolen cheques. She allegedly split the profits with those involved.
The charges against Sewell come amidst a broader investigation into a cheque fraud scheme that has allegedly netted nearly US$500,000. The scheme involved multiple defendants, some of whom were in contact with Sewell about strategies for committing the fraud. A search of Sewell’s phone uncovered images of 255 cheques, along with the personal details of approximately 70 other TD Bank customers.
Bragg emphasized the role of Telegram in facilitating criminal activities such as fraud, weapons sales, and even terrorism financing. “Telegram can be a hotbed for criminal activity,” he remarked. Sewell’s actions also follow TD Bank’s own legal troubles, including a historic US$3 billion fine last year after the bank pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws.
Sewell has not yet responded to the charges, and the investigation is still ongoing. TD Bank confirmed her termination and stated that they are fully cooperating with authorities. Meanwhile, TD Bank’s U.S. division continues to face scrutiny for inadequate money laundering controls, which allowed criminals to launder over US$670 million, including profits from fentanyl trafficking, through the bank over a six-year period.
In addition to the U.S. penalties, Canada’s financial intelligence agency, Fintrac, imposed a record $9.2 million penalty on TD earlier this year due to its weak anti-money laundering practices. The Canadian government has also expressed concern over the situation and is implementing measures to strengthen oversight in response to the allegations.
