Briton in Netflix’s ‘Con Mum’ faces fresh charges in Singapore

A 85-year-old British woman, Dionne Marie Hanna, now faces 34 new charges in Singapore, bringing her total to 39. The allegations stem from her alleged schemes to defraud multiple individuals, including her estranged son, by promising reimbursement through an inheritance from Brunei’s royal family.

New Charges and Allegations

Victims have accused the Singapore resident of using their funds for her personal expenses, claiming she would repay them via her supposed Brunei royal inheritance. The latest charges include accusations that Hanna manipulated one man into covering hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs, falsely assuring him she would make him her stepson and repay him.

“She told a woman she would buy Lexus and Aston Martin cars, along with a property in Singapore’s Sentosa Cove, if she paid ‘processing fees’,” said Channel NewsAsia, citing local reports.

Previous Deceptions

Hanna had earlier been charged in Singapore and France for swindling three men, claiming legal fees and new bank accounts as justifications. She also promised to donate millions to a mosque and a Muslim charity in Singapore, according to court testimony last year. Her case is scheduled for a pre-trial conference in May.

From Reunion to Revelation

Released on 25 March, the Netflix documentary Con Mum documents Graham Hornigold’s reunion with Hanna in the UK. He had been contacted by her, claiming to be his long-lost mother. A DNA test later confirmed this. However, the film reveals Hornigold doubts her royal status, despite her initial generosity, including cars and homes.

Hanna, who worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, initially welcomed her son’s support. But as her financial needs grew, she left him and his friends to cover her mounting bills, leading to a loss of £300,000. The documentary also notes she had prior convictions in the UK for shoplifting and fraud.