By Elizabeth Byrne
A gambler seeking a “big win” has been convicted of fraud after embezzling over $70,000 from the Master Builders Association (MBA). Luke Lowes, 41, served as an event organizer for the MBA from 2019 to 2022, managing various events, including national awards ceremonies and a golf challenge.
The MBA collected ticket funds through Eventbrite, which subsequently disbursed the money back to the association. However, it was discovered that Lowes was diverting these funds into his personal accounts.
The fraud came to light during a financial reconciliation, which revealed a staggering $50,000 discrepancy. When questioned, Lowes produced a forged email claiming to be from Eventbrite, apologizing for the missing funds, but this was later identified as fake.
Lowes pleaded guilty to one charge of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and expressed deep remorse for his actions. The ACT Supreme Court heard that the MBA’s insurers compensated the association with over $56,000. Prior to his arrest, Lowes had managed to repay about $11,000 and has now been ordered to pay more than $5,000 in reparations to cover the remaining amount .