The Dutch branch of the Salvation Army (Leger des Heils) has sacked an administrative assistant for stealing €850,000 over a six-year period.

The man, who worked in the youth protection department, forged bills from healthcare providers to embezzle the money which was paid into his bank account. ‘We are shocked this could happen and deeply regret it,’ Salvation Army director Cornel Vader said in a statement.

The case came to light at the end of last year when the man was off sick and another colleague took over his work.

The Salvation Army says it has now stepped up its bill-checking procedures and will try to recover the missing cash in court.