Sydney Fortune Teller, Daughter Accused of Orchestrating $70M Fraud

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Sydney Fortune Teller, Daughter Accused of Orchestrating $70M Fraud

By Paul V. Young – TheNationWeek.Com | November 14, 2025

SYDNEY, Australia – A self-proclaimed fortune teller and her daughter have been arrested in Sydney after they were accused of masterminding a staggering $70 million fraud scheme that preyed on vulnerable members of the Vietnamese community.

They allegedly funneled money through high-stakes gambling.

Anya Phan, 53, who bills herself as a feng shui expert and clairvoyant, and her 25-year-old daughter, Thi Ta, were taken into custody at their opulent Dover Heights residence, marking a significant breakthrough in a sprawling investigation into the notorious Penthouse Syndicate.

Authorities allege Phan exploited her position of trust within the community, convincing victims to take out loans under the false promise of future riches while siphoning off a substantial portion of the funds for her own enrichment.

The alleged fraud, carried out in concert with her daughter, has left victims with an estimated $70 million in losses.

“This syndicate has evolved, now preying on those who trust them within their communities,” stated Deputy Supt. Gordon Arbinja, head of the NSW Police financial crimes unit.

He revealed that Phan allegedly laundered over $520,000 in just two months at a local casino, underscoring the scale of her operation and her penchant for high-stakes gambling.

The investigation, which began with a focus on fraudulent vehicle financing, has uncovered a sophisticated financial crime network with Phan allegedly at its center.

Seventeen individuals have already been charged in connection with the Penthouse Syndicate, described as one of the largest fraud organizations in Australian history, and authorities anticipate further arrests.

During the arrest, police seized a trove of evidence, including financial documents, electronics, luxury handbags, a $10,000 gold bar, and $6,600 in casino chips.

The NSW Crime Commission has also frozen assets worth $15 million linked to the case, highlighting the extent of the alleged criminal enterprise.

Phan faces over 40 charges, including obtaining financial advantage by deception and handling the proceeds of crime.

She was denied bail and awaits her court appearance.

Her daughter, Thi Ta, faces fraud charges, including the acquisition of a $5.3 million apartment in Rose Bay, and has been granted conditional bail with a court date set for tomorrow.

Adding another layer of intrigue, investigators revealed that Phan, who immigrated to Australia in 2001, has reportedly relied on disability support payments and has not held formal employment since her arrival.

“We are committed to dismantling this criminal organization,” Arbinja vowed, signaling that the investigation will extend to professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and property developers, who may have facilitated the syndicate’s illicit activities.

The case promises to send shockwaves through Sydney’s Vietnamese community and beyond as authorities work to unravel the full extent of the alleged fraud and bring all those involved to justice.