Woman laundered money for man she met on dating app

The Southern Downs mother carried out the crime as directed by the man, who has never been found.

less than 2 min read

August 5, 2020 - 5:00AM

CASHED UP: The 48-year-old Stanthorpe woman laundered almost $5,000 in cash before reporting the scheme to police. Picture: Barry Leddicoat

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A SOUTHERN Downs woman said she was lured into the world of money laundering by a man she met through an online dating app.

Between June 26 and July 12 last year, Rhoda Bamberry opened a bank account, withdrew the money deposited, and spent it as directed by the man she met online.

The Warwick District Court heard the 48-year-old laundered more than $5000 in total.

Police investigations were unable to confirm the man's identity or the source of the money.

Crown prosecutor Stephen Muir said Bamberry's crimes were "characterised by obvious naivety", as she believed she was in a relationship with the man involved.

The Stanthorpe mother only received $200 for herself and eventually reported her involvement to police, which Mr Muir said further indicated she was taken advantage of.

Defence counsel Jessica Goldie told the court her client was a "very gullible person" with a number of intellectual impairments, which affected her judgment.

Ms Goldie added the 48-year-old was the victim of online scamming twice before this offending.

Judge Dennis Lynch said even though the man's identity and the background to the money remained unknown, the conduct could be presumed unlawful.

Judge Lynch continued it was clear Bamberry's crimes were a result of her learning difficulties, and her lack of criminal history indicated she was "very unlikely to reoffend."

Bamberry pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering.

She was placed on 12 months' probation and her conviction was not recorded.