Ex-LJ Hooker agents cases split up as hearings adjourned again
A PAIR of former LJ Hooker agents alleged to have stolen about $4 million of clients’ money will next face court on different dates.
A PAIR of former LJ Hooker agents alleged to have stolen about $4 million of clients’ money have again had their cases adjourned.
Tri Duc Ngo, who also goes by Joseph Ngo, and Truc Thanh Le Nguyen, who also goes by Judy Tranh Truc and Judy Nguyen, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday following two committal mention adjournments since March.
The couple face more than 300 charges each relating to alleged plundered trust accounts and stolen house deposits of clients of six offices in Melbourne’s east in 2015 and 2016.
Ms Nguyen’s case has been adjourned for a committal hearing on November 1, which the court heard would feature the cross examination of three witnesses.
Mr Ngo’s case has been adjourned for another committal mention on July 3.
Andrea Mapp, for Consumer Affairs Victoria, told the court once a plea was entered the Office of Public Prosecutions would take over.
Ms Mapp previously told the court an estimated $4 million had gone missing but some had been paid back so the total loss stood at about $2.1 million.
The couple’s lawyer, Erol Cinar, had previously told the court Mr Ngo intended to plead guilty and Ms Nguyen not guilty.
Mr Ngo faces 304 charges, brought by CAV, in relation to breaches of four sections of the Estate Agents Act 1980.
Ms Nguyen faces 331 charges under the Act.
Some of the charges were indictable offences carrying maximum penalties of 10 year jail terms, the court heard.
Ms Nguyen’s six LJ Hooker franchises in Glen Waverley, Keysborough, Mount Waverley, Burwood, Doncaster and Box Hill were shut down and taken over by CAV in April last year after millions of dollars owed to homeowners, landlords and tenants allegedly went missing.
The consumer watchdog suspended Ms Nguyen’s real estate license last month after she was listed as a director of business management at new Springvale agency Oz Capital Real Estate.
The agency’s officer in effective control Dixon Lim told the Herald Sun Ms Nguyen would remain in the position, and she remains listed on the agency’s website.
Court documents show Mr Ngo’s charges include more than 100 counts of ‘fraudulently converting any moneys received’ — an offence Ms Nguyen is also accused of.
This is an indictable offence, meaning the case could be heard in the County Court.
The director of CAV had approved 59 Victorian Property Fund claims from consumers totalling $2,121,515.95 in connection with the case to May 19.
CAV has also authorised the payment of outstanding rent moneys to 21 claimants from the balance of the estate agent’s rental trust account, totalling $34,564.79.
