A Sydney fortune teller and her daughter are accused of running one of the most sophisticated financial crime syndicates in recent history, defrauding vulnerable clients out of tens of millions of dollars using cultural manipulation and false promises of wealth.
Story Highlights
- A fortune teller and her daughter allegedly defrauded Sydney’s Vietnamese community of up to $80 million.
- The scheme used fortune-telling and feng shui to manipulate victims into taking out large loans, which were then siphoned off for personal gain.
- Police have seized luxury assets and frozen millions in property, with ongoing investigations into broader syndicate activities.
- The case highlights vulnerabilities in financial systems and the exploitation of cultural trust.
- Authorities are working to recover assets and restore public confidence.
Fortune Telling Front for Massive Fraud
Police in Sydney have arrested Anya Phan, a 53-year-old self-proclaimed fortune teller and feng shui master, and her 25-year-old daughter in connection with a massive financial fraud operation. The syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable members of the Vietnamese community, using cultural practices to gain trust and manipulate victims into taking out large personal, business, and home loans. The scheme began with fraudulent car financing, but quickly expanded to include mortgage and business loan fraud, with police estimating the total fraud at up to AU$70 million (NZ$80.8 million). The operation was so sophisticated that it involved the use of stolen personal information to apply for loans for non-existent luxury vehicles, known as “ghost cars.”
A fortune teller who allegedly promised clients “billionaire futures” has been arrested with her daughter over a $70m ‘ghost car’ fraud scheme targeting Vietnamese Australians. FULL STORY: https://t.co/R72RqKaaee pic.twitter.com/ucaM9kIRtd
— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) November 12, 2025
Investigators from the NSW Financial Crimes Squad launched Strike Force Myddleton in January 2024, focusing on a criminal syndicate targeting automotive financing companies. The investigation revealed that the syndicate’s activities extended far beyond car financing, encompassing a wide range of fraudulent activities. The fortune teller and her daughter were arrested on November 12, 2025, following a raid on their property in Dover Heights. Charges have been filed, including 39 offences for the fortune teller and multiple counts for her daughter. Bail was refused for the fortune teller, while her daughter was bailed pending a court appearance scheduled for January 23, 2026.
Asset Seizures and Ongoing Investigations
As part of the investigation, authorities have seized or frozen AU$75 million in assets, including luxury goods and property. The NSW Crime Commission has emphasized the importance of asset recovery and restitution for victims. Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, commander of the Financial Crimes Squad, described the case as “one of the most sophisticated financial crime syndicates” encountered. The syndicate’s activities have caused significant financial hardship and emotional distress for victims, primarily from the Vietnamese community. Financial institutions have also been exposed to fraud risk, leading to increased scrutiny of loan approval and identity verification processes.
The case has highlighted the vulnerabilities in financial systems and the exploitation of cultural trust. Law enforcement officials and financial crime experts have noted the use of cultural manipulation as a key factor in victim targeting. The scale and sophistication of this syndicate are notable compared to previous cases, and the investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to dismantle the broader network and recover additional assets.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The impact of this fraud extends beyond the immediate financial losses. The erosion of trust in financial and cultural advisors has significant social and economic implications. Victims face not only financial hardship but also emotional distress, and the case has put pressure on law enforcement and regulatory bodies to improve oversight. The broader industry is likely to see increased scrutiny and potential regulatory reforms in financial services and consumer protection. Community education and support for victims are also crucial to prevent similar scams in the future.
The story of the Sydney fortune teller and her daughter serves as a stark reminder of the intersection of cultural manipulation and financial crime. Law enforcement agencies have responded with asset seizures and ongoing investigations, but broader reforms may be needed to prevent future incidents. The case highlights the importance of community education, regulatory oversight, and cross-sector collaboration in combating sophisticated fraud schemes.
Sources:
AUS fortune teller accused of defrauding $80.8m from clients
Fortune teller, daughter allegedly behind $46M fraud
