The article examines the imposition of material liability on an employee as a mechanism for protecting the employer's property rights. The analysis reveals the challenges faced by employers when imposing full material liability on employees in certain cases: the proof of the employee's guilt, particularly in the form of intent, and the distinction between intent and gross negligence and carelessness. Additionally, the recovery of damages caused by the employee's criminal actions, as determined by a court verdict, presents challenges. These issues limit the effectiveness of the labour law norms.