Feng Shui Master Accused of Multi-Million Pound Fraud
Australian authorities have taken a self-proclaimed fortune teller and feng shui master into custody, alleging she masterminded a sophisticated financial fraud operation worth an estimated A$70 million (£35 million).
The arrest of Anya Phan, 53, was confirmed by New South Wales police on Thursday 13 November 2025. The investigation alleges that Ms Phan leveraged her influential position within Sydney's Vietnamese community to carry out the extensive scam.
How the Alleged Scheme Operated
Police claim that the accused exploited the trust of vulnerable individuals by promising them immense future wealth. She is alleged to have convinced community members to take out substantial financial loans based on her predictions that they were destined to become "billionaires".
During a subsequent police raid, officers seized a collection of evidence including luxury items, detailed financial records, and A$6,600 (£3,300) in casino chips, painting a picture of the operation's alleged proceeds.
Wider Investigation and Further Arrests
Ms Phan now confronts a total of 39 criminal charges. These serious accusations include directing a criminal group and dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
In a related development, her 25-year-old daughter, Thi Ta, was also arrested. She is suspected of playing a role in facilitating the alleged fraudulent activities.
These arrests form a crucial part of Strike Force Myddleton, an expanding probe into one of Australia's most significant financial crime syndicates. The investigation, which initially focused on fraudulent car financing, has since broadened to implicate various professionals. Authorities have indicated that further arrests are anticipated as the inquiry continues to unfold.
