UPDATE: A self-proclaimed feng shui master and her accomplice have been arrested in a shocking $70 million fraud and money laundering scheme targeting vulnerable clients in Sydney’s Vietnamese community. The arrests occurred on November 12, 2023, as police continue to unravel this sophisticated criminal operation.
Detectives allege that the 53-year-old fortune teller exploited her clients by delivering bogus prophecies, persuading them to take out financial loans that she then siphoned off. Victims were reportedly told there was a “billionaire in their future,” a manipulation that reflects the depths of this fraud.
Arrested alongside her was a 25-year-old accomplice, apprehended at a residence in Dover Heights. Authorities seized a treasure trove of evidence, including a 40-gram gold bar valued at $10,000, $6,600 in casino chips, various financial documents, mobile devices, and luxury handbags.
Darren Bennett, Executive Director of the NSW Crime Commission, emphasized the importance of asset recovery, stating,
“Every dollar we recover is a dollar that won’t fund further criminal activity and can instead be redirected to benefit the community.”
This operation is part of Strike Force Myddleton, which initially focused on fraud within Sydney’s automotive financing sector. Since its inception in January 2024, the investigation expanded dramatically, revealing the syndicate’s far-reaching activities, including applying for loans using stolen personal information to purchase non-existent luxury vehicles.
As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered that the syndicate engaged in large-scale loan fraud against multiple financial institutions. Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja of the Financial Crimes Squad noted,
“What began as an investigation into fraudulent car financing has expanded into uncovering one of the most sophisticated financial crime syndicates I have seen in my career.”
The 53-year-old faces 39 charges, including knowingly directing a criminal group and 19 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception. She has been denied bail and will appear in Downing Centre Local Court on November 13, 2023. The 25-year-old accomplice faces seven charges and has been granted conditional bail, set to appear on January 23, 2024.
The ongoing investigation has already led to 17 arrests and the seizure of $60 million in assets, with more developments expected as detectives dig deeper into the web of fraud. Anyone with information related to organized criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. All information will be handled confidentially.
As this story unfolds, the community is left reeling from the impact of such a widespread scam. Victims are encouraged to come forward, ensuring that justice is served and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
