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Accused fraud Angela Stathopoulos charged with rorting Prahran Community Learning Centre: Court

A Melbourne mum allegedly used her top role at a charity to steal $558,000 to fund shopping, fashion and international holidays.

Angela Stathopoulos allegedly stole money from Melbourne charity Prahran Community Learning Centre to fund overseas trips. Instagram.
Angela Stathopoulos allegedly stole money from Melbourne charity Prahran Community Learning Centre to fund overseas trips. Instagram.

A jetsetting Instagram mum allegedly stole more than half a million dollars from a community charity to splurge on shopping, gala shows and luxury overseas holidays.

Angela Stathopoulos, 49, fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with multiple obtain financial advantage by deception offences.

Ms Stathopoulos, of Murrumbeena, allegedly rorted $558,320 from the Prahran Community Learning Centre between May 2011 and March 2022.

It’s alleged Ms Stathopoulos stole cash masked as “legitimate expenses” from the not-for-profit charity which, among many things, feeds the homeless and supports needy students.

Ms Stathopoulos, who was principal executive officer at the charity, allegedly illegally transferred the centre’s money to rechargeable “load and go” cards.

It’s also alleged Ms Stathopoulos created false invoices, stole cash directly from the centre’s coffers and misused $141,000 via a charity debit card.

Stathopoulos allegedly spent stolen money on jewellery and clothes.
Stathopoulos allegedly spent stolen money on jewellery and clothes.

Ms Stathopoulos allegedly spent $155,274 on international trips to the US, Indonesia, and the UK.

It’s alleged Ms Stathopoulos illegally funded the overseas jaunts for her and her family which included flights, accommodation and airport transfers.

Ms Stathopoulos also allegedly stole more than $6000 which police say she spent at Ticketmaster and Ticketek for “various tickets to entertainment shows”.

Stathopoulos posted photos on Instagram of her travels including a trip to New York City.
Stathopoulos posted photos on Instagram of her travels including a trip to New York City.

Ms Stathopoulos, a mother, also allegedly used illegal funds to purchase dancing lessons and photography sessions for her daughter.

The accused fraudster also allegedly burned $32,575 on unauthorised fuel cards despite having a “$15,000 to $20,000” car allowance linked to her role at the charity.

Ms Stathopoulos was also charged with stealing $3787 which she allegedly spent on clothes and jewellery.

It’s also alleged Ms Stathopoulos spent $66,533 on shopping and other “personal goods and services”.

Stathopoulos allegedly stole money for shopping.
Stathopoulos allegedly stole money for shopping.

Ms Stathopoulos has openly shared her overseas holidays on Instagram with multiple photos depicting the jetsetting mum and her family at luxe locations including Disneyland, Universal Studios, New York City, Hawaii, San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles and Bali.

Ms Stathopoulos also shared happy snaps of her family lounging by the pool at the luxurious Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Honolulu and exclusive Vegas hotel The Bellagio.

Ms Stathopoulos also boasted about visiting Disneyland and deceased pop star Prince’s ‘Paisley Park’ residence multiple times and how the ‘Universal Studios VIP Experience Tour’ was “amazing”.

Ms Stathopoulos also visited the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Dallas – the old book depository building where Oswald assassinated JFK.

Ms Stathopoulos in her role at the Prahran Community Learning Centre.
Ms Stathopoulos in her role at the Prahran Community Learning Centre.

Ms Stathopoulos also posted up photos of her and her family at shows including School of Rock and the ‘VIP Ultimate Prince Experience’.

Ms Stathopoulos also attended the Melbourne Grand Prix and happily posed up for media ops supporting charities including the Feed Melbourne Appeal.

Ms Stathopoulos, who also gets about in pricey vintage designer clothing and accessories, also proudly posted images of her daughter’s dancing achievements.

Ms Stathopoulos had her bail extended to front court at a later date.

paul.shapiro@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-east/accused-fraud-angela-stathopoulos-charged-with-rorting-prahran-community-learning-centre-court/news-story/75f7dff009fa78e9fba97f02f899f22f