British woman in Netflix ‘Con Mum’ case faces 34 new fraud charges, bringing total to 39 in Singapore
A British woman featured in a Netflix documentary on alleged fraud schemes now faces 39 charges in Singapore, including new accusations involving multiple victims and over S$800,000 in losses.
- Dionne Marie Hanna now faces 39 fraud-related charges in Singapore following new accusations filed on 24 April.
- The total losses believed to be involved in her case are estimated at about S$800,000
- The case gained global attention through the Netflix documentary “Con Mum”, detailing a pattern of alleged deception.
SINGAPORE: A British woman featured in a high-profile Netflix documentary about alleged fraud schemes has been handed dozens of additional charges in Singapore.
According to state media The Straits Times, Dionne Marie Hanna, 85, was on 24 April 2026 issued 34 new charges, including offences related to fraud and cheating.
These add to five earlier charges filed in April 2025.
She now faces a total of 39 charges under Singapore law.
Each charge of fraud by false representation carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Earlier prosecution and arrest
Hanna was first charged on 5 April 2025 with five counts of fraud by false representation under Section 424A of Singapore’s Penal Code 1871.
Her arrest followed the release of a documentary that brought widespread attention to her alleged activities.
Police detained her on 28 March 2025 after receiving multiple reports from alleged victims.
The total amount cited across the charges now exceeds S$800,000, with the number of alleged victims rising to 14.
Authorities stated that victims were allegedly persuaded to transfer money under the pretext of legal fees and the opening of overseas bank accounts.
They were also promised returns from purported investment schemes or reimbursement linked to a supposed inheritance.
Alleged methods used to deceive victims
Court documents indicate that Hanna told victims she intended to donate large sums to charitable causes, including S$3 million to Masjid Khalid in Joo Chiat and S$2 million to Mawar Community Services.
She also claimed she would distribute wealth linked to the Brunei royal family to those who assisted her financially.
These representations formed part of the alleged deception that led victims to transfer funds.
Investigators said victims believed they would eventually recover their money through promised payouts or investments.
Links to Netflix documentary
The case gained international attention following the release of the Netflix documentary “Con Mum” on 25 March 2025.
Directed by Nick Green, the film details a pattern of alleged deception spanning several years and countries.
It focuses in part on British pastry chef Graham Hornigold, who was contacted by Hanna in 2020.
Hanna claimed to be his long-lost biological mother and provided personal details that led him to agree to meet her.
A DNA test later confirmed with 99.9 per cent certainty that she was indeed his mother.
Claims of wealth and illness
Following their meeting, Hanna allegedly told Hornigold she was terminally ill with cancer and linked herself to the Brunei royal family.
She portrayed herself as a wealthy businesswoman, staying in luxury hotels and giving expensive gifts.
These included cars for Hornigold and his pregnant partner.
However, the documentary states that these purchases were funded by Hornigold himself, based on assurances that he would be reimbursed.
Delays in repayment were attributed to complications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal and financial impact on victims
The financial losses suffered by Hornigold were accompanied by significant personal consequences.
His partner, Heather Kaniuk, later left and returned to New Zealand with their child after discovering the extent of the situation.
The documentary also highlighted other alleged victims, including an Indonesian man who reportedly paid US$40,000 for a pilgrimage to Mecca that never materialised.
Background and past convictions
“Con Mum” further examined Hanna’s past, including a prior conviction in the United Kingdom.
A 1982 news report identified her as having been convicted for obtaining cash and jewellery through deception.
She was born in Malaysia and moved to the United Kingdom in 1971.
In 1980, she was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for similar fraudulent activity.
Claims made by Hanna about connections to the Brunei royal family were formally refuted.
A letter from the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no such individual was linked to the royal household.
Her alleged terminal illness has also been questioned.
The documentary presented doubts about the authenticity of medical evidence she provided, including images suspected to have been manipulated.
