Authorities in Australia have arrested two women, including one claiming to be a fortune teller, for allegedly scamming more than $46 million AUD from vulnerable members of the Vietnamese community. The case highlights a sophisticated financial fraud and money laundering syndicate operating in Sydney.

Arrest and Investigation

The arrests occurred on Wednesday in Dover Heights, a cliffside suburb in eastern Sydney, after police executed a search warrant at a residential property. The women, aged 53 and 25, were handcuffed and escorted into a police van, with footage shared by the New South Wales Police Force on social media.

Detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad confirmed that both women were charged for their alleged roles in a complex multi-million-dollar fraud scheme targeting vulnerable individuals.

Modus Operandi: Fortune Telling Scam

Authorities revealed that the older suspect claimed to be a feng shui master and fortune teller, using her alleged psychic abilities to manipulate victims.

• She reportedly told members of the Vietnamese community that a “billionaire” awaited them in the future.
• Using this deception, victims were convinced to take out loans for non-existent cars, with the women siphoning off the proceeds.
• The scheme involved stolen identification information and intricate financial arrangements, showcasing one of the most sophisticated financial crime operations the squad has encountered.

Det. Supt. Gordon Arbinja stated:

“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 at the helm of the Financial Crimes Squad.”

Seized Assets

During the raid, police seized an array of assets linked to the syndicate, including:

• Financial documents and mobile phones
• Electronics and luxury handbags
• A 40-gram gold bar valued at $6,577
• $4,340 in casino chips

Combined with previous seizures, authorities report nearly $50 million in assets connected to the alleged syndicate have been confiscated.

Charges and Court Appearances

• The older woman faces 39 charges and was denied bail. She was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
• The younger woman faces six charges and was granted conditional bail, with her court appearance set for January 23, 2026.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks vulnerable communities face from financial scams and predatory schemes, particularly those exploiting cultural or personal beliefs.