British Woman Charged in Fraud Case Linked to Netflix’s ‘Con Mum’
The British individual at the heart of a Netflix documentary titled ‘Con Mum’ has been formally charged with fraud in Singapore. The 84-year-old, Dionne Marie Hanna, allegedly deceived her victims into believing they would be reimbursed through her supposed inheritance from the Brunei royal family. Reports indicate that her alleged victims filed police complaints after viewing the documentary, which aired on March 25.
Details of the Allegations
Victims claim that Ms. Hanna solicited funds under false pretenses, assuring them that their contributions were necessary for legal fees and the establishment of new bank accounts. She purportedly gained their trust by asserting that she was terminally ill and promised reimbursement through her royal connections. Allegations also reveal that she made extravagant promises, including donations to a mosque and a Muslim charity in Singapore.
According to Today News Affair, Ms. Hanna has been charged with five counts of fraud and appeared in court via video link, lying on a hospital bed. She is accused of defrauding three individuals from Singapore and France, leading to losses exceeding S$200,000 (approximately $149,000 or £115,400).
Connection to London Pastry Chef
In a similar scheme, Ms. Hanna had previously contacted London pastry chef Graham Hornigold in 2020, claiming to be his long-lost mother. A subsequent DNA test confirmed her identity as his mother. The documentary illustrates how she initially dazzled Mr. Hornigold and his associates with lavish gifts, only to later leave them to cover her growing debts. Mr. Hornigold reported a loss of around £300,000 due to her actions.
Potential Consequences
If found guilty of the charges, Ms. Hanna could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years, along with a financial penalty. The documentary also highlights her previous convictions in the UK for shoplifting and fraud, shedding light on a troubling history of deceit.
As the case unfolds, it raises significant questions about trust, deception, and the lengths to which individuals may go to exploit others for personal gain.
