British Woman Faces New Fraud Charges in Singapore
A British woman previously charged with fraud for allegedly deceiving multiple individuals, including her own son, to support her extravagant lifestyle will now confront further charges in Singapore.
Dionne Marie Hanna, a Singapore resident, is accused by her alleged victims of obtaining money under the pretense that they would be reimbursed through her inheritance from the Brunei royal family.
The 85-year-old woman, who was arrested and charged last year following her feature in the Netflix documentary Con Mum, was served with an additional 34 charges on Thursday, increasing the total number of charges against her to 39.
According to Channel NewsAsia, the number of alleged victims has risen to 14.
Among the victims is Graham Hornigold, a London-based pastry chef and Hanna's long-estranged son.
Details of New Allegations
The new charge sheets include claims that Hanna deceived one man into covering hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses on her behalf, assuring him that she would repay the amount and make him her stepson.
Another allegation states that Hanna told a woman she would purchase items for her—including Lexus and Aston Martin vehicles and a property in Singapore's prestigious Sentosa Cove—if the woman provided money for "processing fees."
Previously, Hanna was accused of misleading three men in Singapore and France into transferring funds to her accounts, under the guise that the money was required for legal fees and the opening of new bank accounts.
She reportedly sought their sympathy by claiming she was terminally ill and promised reimbursement through her inheritance, asserting she was part of the Brunei royal family.
In exchange for their financial support, Hanna also pledged to donate millions of dollars to a mosque and a Muslim non-profit organisation in Singapore, as presented in court last year.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Hanna faces numerous charges, including cheating and fraud by false representation, the latter carrying potential penalties of fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years.
Her case is scheduled for a pre-trial conference in May.
Background and Netflix Documentary
Con Mum, released on Netflix on 25 March, documents Hornigold's reunion with Hanna in the UK after she contacted him claiming to be his long-lost mother.
A DNA test subsequently confirmed their biological relationship. However, in the documentary, Hornigold challenges her assertions of royal lineage.
Hanna portrayed herself as a wealthy, illegitimate daughter of the Sultan of Brunei, initially bestowing lavish gifts—including cars and homes—on Hornigold, his then-partner Heather Kaniuk, and his friends.
Despite initial scepticism, Hornigold, who has experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants, quickly formed a close bond with his mother.
Over time, however, Hanna began leaving Hornigold and his friends responsible for her mounting expenses. Hornigold stated in the documentary that he lost £300,000 as a result.
The film also indicates that Hanna had prior convictions in the UK for shoplifting and fraud.
