The Express.
London, England, 1863-09-21 00:00:00

1 lIE e RESS, 3q)Ni 'AY 14' V ENI NG, SE PTI4MBER 21, 1863.

EXTENSIVE 711.411 D BY A lIIIRCHANT.
BOBBIRY OP 1110,00 U.
- -

The Lord Mayor has issued a warrant for the
apprehension of a foreigner named Sigismund Distriebstein,
who stands charged with having abeneoded, and taking with
him no less a solo than 10,0001. in Bank of England notes,
which had been obtained by meal's of fraud and conspiracy.
It appears that the fugitive is by birth a Hungariso, aud
that he has resided for several years in England, and carried
on, oeteoeibly, the buskers of a merchant in the City of
London. where he had offices, and he bad also a residence at
the west-cud of the tows. There appears to be no doubt,
however, that his circumstance were out at ell prosperous
and although he appeared to have two banking accounts,
one with Messrs. Drummond sod another at the City Batik,
it has been ascertained since his flight that the amount
of money deposited was very small, sod his object,
was evidently to create coofideooe in his resources, with a
view to assist him in carrying out his ulterior objects. The
mode in which the money was obtained was this. It ap-
pears that for several months the fugitive, in addition to
his ordinary occupation of a merchant., has been carrying on
some extensive engagements in lime bargains in foreign
stocks upon the Stook Exchange, and from all that
has transpired, there ia every reoson to believe
that be has been backed up in these proceedings
by one or two other foreigners, who are no doubt
parties to the ultimate fraud, and that they provided
Dietriclatein with funds whenever they were required to
pay the differences that arose upon any account, and this
was always regularly done, so that the brokers were induced
ho place reliance upon the resources of the fugitive. Dietnch-
stein appeared to have purchased very largely for the so-
count ending the 29th of August, which happened to be os
• Saturday, and
-the arrangements of the confederates were
all completed by that day. According to the custom
of the Stock Exchange, when foreign bonds or other secu-
rities are takes up by the parties who purchase them,
a cheque is given when they are handed over, and when the
stock purchased by lbetrichstein, which °assisted of
Egyptian and Brazilian bonds. and which are a descriptionof— security as readily negotiable as Bank of England notes,
wee handed to him, be paid for each security in • cheque
spun Misers. Drummond. The public is aware that the
banks close at two o'clock on Saturdays, and the cheques
were not given until after that time, this being,
so doubt, • part of the plan of Dietricbstein and
his confederates, to give them mere time, as under
ordinary circumstances the tact that there were no *meta to
West the cheques would not have been known until the
following Monday, and thus twenty-four hours more delay
would have been obtained. This part of the scheme, how-
ever, failed from the following circumstance. The parties to
whom the cheques were given, knowing that Dietrichstei o also
kept an account at the City Bank, paid the cheques into
that establishment, and through thou, clerk the cheques
upon Drumrnoods were seat to the clearing-house, but it
would seem that the large sues for which they were drawn,
taken in connexion with the state of Dietrichstein's account
at the City Bank, created some suspicion, and this and other
circumstances were considered sufficient to justify an appli-
cation being made by • confidential party to Messrs. Drum-
mond to know whether there were any wete sufficient to
meet the two cheque. that had been drawn upon them by
Dietrichstein, and this led to a discovery of the astounding
fact that there was only about 254, or at all events some very
small sum, standing to his credit. The fraud being thus die.
covered, steps were, of course, immediately taken to endea-
vour to regain possession of the property. but it was too late.
It was ascertained that immediately the bonds bad been
obtained, they were taken to two of the City banks either
by Dietrichstein or by some one on his behalf, where they
were deposited as security for the advance of nearly 10,0001.
The value of the stock was over 11,0004, but a small mar-
gin, as usual, was kept for the protection of the bankers
making the 'chasm aiming any fluctuation that might take
place in the market. The money was all obtained in Beek
notes—namely, two of MU, six of 2001., thirty-two of 1001.,
thirty-nine of 501., and fifty-one of 204 each, and, no doubt.
the moment it was received Dietrichatein decamped, and
be has not since bees heard of. No clue has hitherto been
obtained to the bulk of the money, • small portion only
having been traced to one person, who states that be re.
°rived the notes from Dietricbstein in the ordinary course
of his busioesa, and there are no means of contradicting
this statement.
It is of course almost unnecessary to say that not the
slightest blame is attached to the bankers with reference
to the advance of the money upon the deposit of the stock,
as this is • proceeding of every day occurrence, many firms
of the highest position frequently finding it necessary to
obtain temporary aozommodation midis similar circum-
stances, and coosequently the persons who will be the
sufferers by this fraud will be tbs brokers who delivered
the stock.
The fugitive is described as being 33 yearn of age,
sallow complexion, and wearing • small moustache and
small whiskers. His bands and feet are described as being
very delicate, like thew of a woman. Be is supposed to
be accompanied by his wife, • very good-looking woman,
26 years of age, and a Noe three years old. A reward of
1,000/. has been offered for his apprehension.