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A major NSW Police investigation has revealed that a self-proclaimed fortune teller and her daughter allegedly defrauded members of Sydney's Vietnamese community of nearly $70 million, using a mix of spiritual claims, feng shui advice, and a sophisticated financial-fraud syndicate.

Two women—Anya Phan (53) and her daughter Thi Ta (25)—were arrested in Dover Heights, an affluent suburb in Sydney's east. Police allege Phan presented herself as a fortune teller and feng shui master, using her status within Sydney’s Vietnamese community to gain trust.

Victims were allegedly persuaded to take out large loans, hand over savings, or invest in schemes based on promises of spiritual protection, future wealth, or "billionaire futures."

Scale and Nature of the Fraud

The alleged fraud totals nearly $70 million, making it one of the largest fraud syndicates NSW Police have investigated.

The operation is described as "highly sophisticated", involving: Money laundering; Use of stolen identities and fraudulent loans for "ghost cars"—luxury vehicles that did not actually exist.

How the Scheme Worked

Police  statements  and  reporting  suggest  the  scam  combined.

• Spiritual manipulation: claims of curses, bad luck, or future prosperity
• Financial coercion: urging victims to borrow large sums
• Community trust: targeting vulnerable individuals within the Vietnamese community
• Organised crime methods: identity theft and fraudulent financing.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Both women were arrested in November 2025 during a police raid. Police have seized luxury goods, a gold bar, and other assets linked to the alleged syndicate.


Why This Case Stands Out

Investigator Magazine