Police in Sydney are investigating a potential case of identity fraud after a woman presented herself as a mysterious Chinese heiress during a routine bail check. The incident centres on 23-year-old multimillionaire LanLan Yang, who is facing a series of serious driving charges.
The Incident at Rose Bay Police Station
On Wednesday evening, a young Asian woman arrived at Rose Bay police station in a black Rolls-Royce Ghost convertible. Dressed in Chanel jeans and a top, she presented herself to officers as LanLan Yang, fulfilling a weekly bail reporting condition. However, when questioned by the Daily Mail outside the station, the woman contradicted her earlier claim, stating, 'I'm someone else.'
A senior police source confirmed an investigation is underway to verify the woman's identity and to establish whether Yang is complying with her bail condition to reside at her Watsons Bay penthouse. 'We are taking this very seriously because what's being alleged would be a very serious offence, or offences,' the source stated. Police followed standard procedure, comparing the woman's face to an image on file after she lowered her mask.
Background of the Case and the Alleged Heiress
The investigation stems from a high-profile collision on July 26 in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Yang's distinctive $1.5 million Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan allegedly crossed double yellow lines and crashed head-on into a Mercedes van. The van's driver, George Plassaras—a chauffeur who regularly worked for radio host Kyle Sandilands—suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries, including a broken spine and shattered hips, and may never work again.
Yang, a Chinese national and Australian permanent resident, was charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment. She also faces charges of negligent driving, failing to submit to a breath test, and not providing particulars to police.
Since her arrest, Yang has cultivated an enigmatic public persona. She has never appeared in person for her five court mentions, attending only once via video link. She is routinely photographed in designer outfits from Louis Vuitton and Hermès but flees from reporters and has never spoken publicly. Her social media, now deleted, reportedly showcased a life of extreme luxury, including private shopping sessions and daily fine dining.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the police station visit has raised further questions about Yang's movements. The black Rolls-Royce Ghost used on Wednesday appears to be the same vehicle Yang previously kept unregistered in her apartment garage when it was white, sharing the same last four digits of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). However, the woman at the station claimed the car was not hers.
Yang's lawyer, Michael Korn, has previously entered not guilty pleas to four charges on her behalf. He has described his client as a university student with 'considerable' mental health issues who 'hardly leaves her home.' Her bail conditions require her to report weekly, live at her Watsons Bay address, and surrender her passport, but do not restrict her from approaching airports.
Police confirmed they visited Yang's luxury apartment on Thursday, and the Daily Mail has reported no sign of her there since October. The case has attracted significant attention, particularly within the Chinese Australian community, fascinated by Yang's wealth and elusive nature. She is next due to appear in court later this month.
