An Auckland woman who spent $158,000 mistakenly transferred to her bank account could face theft charges, according to a legal expert.
The money, sent by 78-year-old pensioner Andrew Che Sit Bong in error due to a one-digit mistake in the account number, was reportedly used to buy two cars and send large sums to others.
Despite Westpac recovering $28,000, most of the funds remain lost.
While police initially viewed the matter as civil, political pressure prompted a renewed investigation. Legal expert Bill Hodge told legacy media the woman’s awareness of the error could meet the criminal standard for theft, and civil action could also be taken to reclaim assets bought with the funds.
Image credit: Andre Taissin
The cars have number plates and should be ale to track down.
Proceeds of crime.
But due to her upbringing the courts will state.
she will receive a slap on the wrist at most and carry on offending
Typical NZ Police. “It’s a civil matter. Oh, the media and social media know about it. Ok, we’ll do our jobs now and look into it. Oh, it meets the threshold. We’ll charge her.”