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Singapore adds 34 new charges against UK woman in alleged fraud scheme
Dionne Marie Hanna, 85, now faces a total of 39 charges after prosecutors in Singapore filed additional counts of cheating and fraud on Thursday. The case involves 14 alleged victims who lost over S$800,000 ($626,000) in cash and goods.
Alleged victims include estranged son, others lured by royal ties
Among those reportedly defrauded is Hanna's long-estranged son, London-based pastry chef Graham Hornigold, though his case is not part of the Singapore court proceedings. Other victims were told they would be repaid through Hanna's supposed inheritance from Brunei's royal family, a claim she repeated in multiple instances.
One man was allegedly persuaded to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses after Hanna promised to make him her stepson. Another victim was told she would receive luxury cars-including a Lexus and an Aston Martin-and a Sentosa Cove property in exchange for paying "processing fees."
False claims of terminal illness and royal lineage
Prosecutors allege Hanna frequently posed as a member of Brunei's royal family and falsely claimed to be terminally ill with cancer to gain sympathy. Victims were asked to front money for "legal fees" or "bank account openings," with promises of repayment from her non-existent inheritance.
In some cases, she also pledged millions in donations to a Singapore mosque and a Muslim non-profit organization, according to court documents from last year's initial charges.
Timeline and legal consequences
The alleged offenses span from August 2024 to March 2025, with most occurring in Singapore but some partially abroad. Hanna was first arrested and charged last year after her story gained attention in the Netflix documentary Con Mum, which premiered on March 25.
The charges include fraud by false representation, an offense that carries potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines.
Documentary reveals pattern of deception
The Netflix film follows Hornigold's reunion with Hanna after she contacted him, claiming to be his birth mother. A DNA test confirmed the relationship, but Hornigold later disputed her claims of royal lineage and wealth.
Initially, Hanna lavished Hornigold, his partner, and friends with gifts, including cars and property. However, she eventually left them responsible for her mounting bills. Hornigold stated in the documentary that he lost approximately £300,000 due to her schemes.
The documentary also suggests Hanna has prior convictions in the UK for shoplifting and fraud.
Next steps in the case
Hanna remains in custody as the legal process continues. No trial date has been set, but prosecutors are expected to present further evidence in the coming months.
