Fraud Charges Against "Con Mum" Star Dionne Marie Hanna in Singapore
Introduction
Dionne Marie Hanna, the 84-year-old British woman featured in the hit Netflix crime documentary "Con Mum", has been charged with fraud in a Singapore court. According to documents seen by AFP, Hanna, who was alleged to have scammed her renowned pastry chef son, Graham Hornigold, of hundreds of thousands of dollars, faces five counts of fraud involving three people.
Background
In the documentary film, released on March 25, Hanna upends Hornigold’s life when she emails him and claims she is his biological mother. She allegedly scams Hornigold as they reconnect, conning him of hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to the film. However, a DNA test at the end of the documentary shows that Hanna is indeed Hornigold’s biological mother.
Charges and Investigation
Hanna appeared in court on Saturday via videolink and was seen lying in a bed at Singapore’s Tan Tock Seng Hospital, local broadcaster Channel News Asia reported. It was not immediately clear why she was in hospital. According to court documents, one of the charges involved her allegedly telling a man in Singapore, identified as Paiman Bin Supangat, this year that she was from the Brunei royal family. She had told him she had terminal cancer and that she wanted to pass her wealth to him and his son.
Police Investigation
The Singapore police in a statement Friday said they had received several reports from alleged victims after the documentary was released on Netflix. Preliminary investigations showed Hanna was believed to be involved in at least five cases of cheating with losses amounting to more than $200,000. The police said that as part of the arrangement to receive monies for the investment and inheritance, the victims were asked to transfer money for legal fees and opening of overseas bank accounts. The victims believed that her investment and release of inheritance to be genuine and made several transfers to her.
Consequences
If found guilty of fraud, Hanna could face fines and be imprisoned for up to 20 years. Her next court hearing is on April 11.
Conclusion
The case against Dionne Marie Hanna serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fraud and the importance of thorough investigations. As the investigation continues, it is essential to ensure that justice is served and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
FAQs
Q: What is the charge against Dionne Marie Hanna?
A: Hanna has been charged with five counts of fraud involving three people.
Q: How much money is alleged to have been lost in the fraud?
A: Preliminary investigations suggest that losses amount to more than $200,000.
Q: What is the potential punishment for Hanna if found guilty?
A: Hanna could face fines and be imprisoned for up to 20 years.
Q: When is Hanna’s next court hearing?
A: Hanna’s next court hearing is on April 11.