Thobekile Milotshwa accused of stealing nearly $1M from businesses online
An aspiring western Sydney nurse and mother — who is accused of stealing close to $1 million from businesses online as part of an alleged $6 million criminal syndicate — had pleaded guilty just before the pleas were opposed in court.
Parramatta
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Aspiring Guildford nurse Thobekile Mlotshwa, who is accused of stealing close to $1 million from businesses across Australia online as part of an alleged $6 million criminal syndicate, has fronted Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday.
The lawyer for Mlotshwa, 29, entered guilty pleas for her client during her first appearance but the prosecution opposed them so the matter could proceed to the Director of Public Prosecutions at Liverpool Court.
Mlotshwa was the ninth person charged as part of the syndicate after Strike Force Cocci after detectives arrested her at a home on Lough Ave, Guildford, on July 20.
The arrest followed six co-accused men being charged for the alleged online scam syndicate that involved luring unwitting victims to hand over money using fake dating profiles.
Eight people – six men and two women – have been arrested and were charged last month, and remain before the courts.
Mlotshwa was charged with participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity and five counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime greater than $5000 between October and November.
Court papers allege mother-of-two Mlotshwa participated in a criminal group between October and November at Liverpool with others by laundering the proceeds of crime. She was charged with dealing with $957,435 proceeds of crime between October 24 and November 1.
The charges of dealing with the proceeds of crime between October and November allege Mlotshwa stole $63,412 at Bankstown, $73,768 from Cabramatta, $18,655.05 from Canley Vale and $284,960.
Mlotshwa, who court papers said was two months pregnant and had a co-dependent child, was granted bail after her arrest and must report daily to Merrylands police station and not contact her co-accused Hayden Palmer, Joel Davis, Soyiselwe Nolutshungu, Shephard Khumalo, Bobby Ncube, Denise Williamson and Edward Richter.
The documents stated the unemployed woman, who is studying a diploma of nursing, was convicted of common assault in 2013 and possessing a prohibited drug in 2015.
Papers state the accused was likely to gain a full-time custodial sentence after she “placed significant strain on the victims mentioned in this matter financially”.
“The offence formed part of a series of offences committed by the accused. The offence was committed in company.
“By virtue of the nature and seriousnes of the offence, there is a likelihood of a full time custodial sentence.”
The matter was adjourned to Liverpool Court on September 1.