Thai community targeted by ‘$9 million fraud ring’
A Thai woman has faced court over an alleged $9 million fraud and money laundering ring. NSW Police allege she used social media to target the Thai-Australian community and advertise inflated rates for exchanging money.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Students in China can apply for virus travel ban exemption
- Woman charged after alleged coke deal in Double Bay
A Thai woman has faced court over an alleged $9 million fraud and money laundering ring after being arrested by a NSW Police strike force.
Siriluck Fatima Chimmalee, 27, appeared before Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday after being arrested in Strathfield South, in Sydney’s inner west, on Friday morning.
She is facing three counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception – a charge which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.
Police will allege she used social media to target the Thai-Australian community and advertise inflated rates for exchanging money.
Court documents state between November 2016 and January 2018 she purported to be licensed money remitter when she allegedly convinced the victim to hand over $1.8 million.
Over the same time period police alleged she portrayed an image of success and affluence to deceive people in trusting and trading with her to collect another $2.6 million by posing as a legitimate money remitter with a relationship with major banks.
Police allege between October 2017 and November 2018 Chimmalee retained $4.9 million by telling a woman public holidays, banking limits and the freezing of her accounts prevented access to the funds.
The arrest follows a one-and-a-half year investigation by Strike Force McKeon into reports of fraud and money laundering.
NSW Police raided two properties on Friday and seized high-end fashion and clothing items and electronics.
Chimmalee did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.
She will face Burwood Local Court on Tuesday.