From Netflix to Jail: ‘Con Mum’ Charged After Victims See Documentary

Netflix’s ‘Con Mum’ Star Now Facing Real-World Consequences

In a twist worthy of its own Netflix special, Dionne Marie Hanna, the 84-year-old con artist who duped her own son out of hundreds of thousands of pounds, is now facing serious fraud charges in Singapore. The charges come after alleged victims watched her shocking story unfold in the Netflix documentary aptly titled ‘Con Mum.’

Hanna, who appeared in court via video link from a hospital bed at Singapore’s Tan Tock Seng, now faces five counts of fraud involving three different people. Her champagne lifestyle might soon be swapped for something considerably less luxurious—up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.

Mother of All Deceptions: How She Targeted Her Own Son

Before becoming the subject of international law enforcement, Hanna first made headlines for the jaw-dropping betrayal of her own flesh and blood. The documentary revealed how she contacted Graham Hornigold, a renowned London-based pastry chef, in 2020, claiming to be his long-lost mother.

DNA tests confirmed their biological connection, but what followed was anything but a heartwarming family reunion. Posing as a successful international entrepreneur, Hanna allegedly manipulated her son’s emotions before systematically draining his bank accounts of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

This calculated deception formed the centerpiece of the Netflix documentary that would ultimately contribute to her downfall when other victims recognized her tactics.

Royal Connections and Terminal Illness: Inside Her Elaborate Scam

Hanna’s playbook appears to have remained consistent across her alleged victims. According to court documents, she convinced people to transfer money by claiming she needed funds for legal fees and opening new bank accounts—with the promise of massive reimbursement through her supposed inheritance from Brunei’s royal family.

To heighten the emotional manipulation, Hanna allegedly told victims she was terminally ill, creating both urgency and sympathy. In a particularly calculated move, she reportedly promised to donate millions to a mosque and Muslim non-profit organization in Singapore, adding a veneer of charitable intention to her scheme.

Singapore police revealed that preliminary investigations show Hanna was allegedly involved in at least five fraud cases with losses exceeding £115,000 (approximately $145,000).

How a Netflix Documentary Became an Unexpected Crime-Solving Tool

In an ironic turn of events, the very documentary that told Hanna’s story ended up being her undoing. After Netflix aired ‘Con Mum’ last month, Singapore police reported receiving multiple complaints from viewers who recognized Hanna as the woman who had scammed them.

The documentary, which was intended to warn others about such scams, inadvertently became an investigative tool that brought more of Hanna’s alleged victims forward. This case highlights how true crime documentaries are increasingly playing a role in real-world justice.

From Champagne Lifestyle to Hospital Bed Court Appearance

Hanna’s court appearance from a hospital bed marks a stark contrast to the lavish lifestyle she allegedly funded through her schemes. While local reports did not clarify why she was in the medical facility, the 84-year-old’s circumstances have certainly changed dramatically.

The Singapore resident now faces a potential 20-year prison sentence and substantial fines if convicted of the charges against her. For an octogenarian, such a sentence would likely amount to life imprisonment.

“As part of the arrangement to receive monies for the investment and inheritance, the victims were asked to transfer money for legal fees and opening of overseas bank accounts,” police stated. “The victims believed her investment and release of inheritance to be genuine and made several transfers to her.”

The Broader Impact of Elder Fraud and Family Betrayal

While Hanna’s case is extreme, it highlights the devastating emotional impact when trust is violated within family relationships. For Graham Hornigold, discovering his long-lost mother only to be financially exploited by her represents a particularly cruel form of betrayal.

The case also challenges stereotypes about who commits fraud. At 84 years old, Hanna defies the typical profile of scammers, demonstrating that elder fraud works in multiple directions—not just targeting seniors, but sometimes perpetrated by them.

As this real-life drama continues to unfold in Singapore’s courts, the Netflix documentary that brought international attention to Hanna’s activities serves as a cautionary tale about trust, family relationships, and the seemingly limitless creativity of confidence tricksters.

Whether justice will finally be served for Hanna’s alleged victims remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—her story has already become a compelling warning about the dangers of sophisticated emotional manipulation, even from the most unexpected sources.