Australia

Fake Fortune Teller Arrested in AU$70M Fraud Targeting Vietnamese Community

Published NOV 13 2025

Story

Above: A woman arrested by NSW Police in connection with fraud and money laundering in Sydney, Australia, on Nov. 12, 2025. Image credit: NSW Police/X

The Facts

NSW, Australia police arrested two women, a mother and daughter aged 53 and 25, at a Dover Heights property in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Wednesday morning over allegations that they defrauded the Vietnamese community out of AU$70 million ($45.9 million).
SBS News
7NEWS
BBC News
The older woman, Anya Phan, allegedly exploited vulnerable members of the community by claiming to be a feng shui master and a fortune teller, convincing her victims to take out loans — of which she would take a share — on the promise that a billionaire would enter their lives.
NSW Police Public Site
9News Australia
The police arrested the women as part of Strike Force Myddleton, a police operation that was launched in January 2024. The strike force originally began investigating a criminal syndicate targeting automotive financing companies. It has since expanded into other areas, including loan fraud.
NSW Police Public Site
According to NSW police, Phan received AU$150,000 for each successful fraud. During the raid, officers seized luxury handbags, mobile phones, financial documents, a 40-gram gold bar valued at AU$10,000 and casino chips worth AU$6,600.
Independent
Firstpost
NSW Police Public Site
The NSW Crime Commission also froze an additional AU$15 million in assets during Wednesday's operation, bringing the total value of the seized assets connected to the syndicate to AU$75 million, with 17 individuals previously charged under the same strike force.
NSW Police Public Site
Phan was charged with 39 offenses, including knowingly directing criminal group activities, and was refused bail by the Downing Centre Local Court. Her daughter, Thi Ta, meanwhile, received conditional bail and faces charges including financial deception and identity fraud.
NSW Police Public Site
Daily Mail
The Sydney Morning Herald

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The alleged actions of these two individuals are an example of the damage caused to Sydney's Vietnamese community by this crime syndicate. The asset seizures were crucial in this and will help restore confidence in law and order across the state. This case will next go to the judicial system — the details will be heard in a court of law.

NSW Police Public Site

Narrative B

This goes beyond a single case — psychic and clairvoyant scams are an exploding phenomenon, with fraudsters stealing billions worldwide by preying on the vulnerable. Accordingly, people must learn the skills and techniques to protect themselves from these scammers by recognizing their tactics, remaining skeptical about their claims and safeguarding their personal financial information.

Bitdefender

Miss Bertel on Youtube