URGENT UPDATE: A woman who laundered $105,000 in drug money through Bitcoin has been officially barred from providing disability support care in Australia. Grace Jiang Hong Ley, 52, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to dealing with suspected proceeds of crime and has faced multiple denials for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) work clearance since then.
Authorities confirmed that Ley’s involvement began in April 2020 when she was approached by an undercover police officer seeking assistance in “moving” money. Using the Wickr handle ‘Clever Bee’, Ley facilitated three separate transactions, converting a total of $105,000 into Bitcoin. During these exchanges, the officer explicitly mentioned drugs, including twice stating the money was derived from cocaine—a fact documented in police recordings.
Despite her previous role as an administration manager at Billy Blue Colleges (now Torrens University), the NSW Children’s Guardian deemed Ley a risk to vulnerable NDIS participants, leading to her clearance denial in May and July 2025. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld this decision, underscoring that her past actions pose a significant danger to individuals under her care.
The tribunal highlighted the vulnerabilities of NDIS participants, stating, “They may not have the cognitive capacity to identify such conduct and take steps to protect themselves.” Ley’s criminal behavior casts doubt on her financial integrity, a critical quality for anyone in a position to access participants’ funds.
Ley defended her actions, claiming her conduct was merely a mistake and arguing that she had not posed a risk. “I am a person who is always willing to help,” she stated, expressing guilt over any potential wrongdoing. However, the tribunal noted her lack of genuine remorse, asserting that she pleaded guilty primarily due to a favorable offer from prosecutors rather than any acknowledgment of her offenses.
In a surprising twist, Ley insisted she misunderstood the undercover officer’s conversations about drugs, claiming she misheard “cocaine” as “coin,” a term commonly used among cryptocurrency traders. The tribunal dismissed this assertion as unconvincing and a recent invention.
As the fallout from this case continues, authorities stress the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations from potential exploitation. Ley’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated financial practices, especially in sensitive sectors like disability support.
This developing story emphasizes the ongoing scrutiny of financial integrity within care sectors. As authorities continue to monitor and assess risks, further updates are expected in the coming days. Share this urgent news to raise awareness about the implications for NDIS participants and the standards expected of those in caregiving roles.
