Dionne Marie Hanna, the 84-year-old British woman whose elaborate deception is chronicled in the Netflix documentary Con Mum, has been formally charged with multiple counts of fraud in Singapore. The charges come after several alleged victims—spanning two continents—came forward following the film’s release.
According to local reports cited by the BBC, Hanna is accused of manipulating individuals by claiming access to a vast inheritance tied to Brunei’s royal family. The victims, including her own biological son, were allegedly convinced to hand over large sums of money under false pretenses.
Alleged deception involved royal claims and terminal illness
Appearing via video link from a hospital bed before a Singapore district court on Saturday, Hanna faced five counts of fraud. She is accused of persuading at least three men in Singapore and France to transfer funds to her by claiming she needed money for legal proceedings and the opening of bank accounts. In return, she promised reimbursement from her supposed royal inheritance and even pledged donations worth millions to religious institutions in Singapore.
According to court records, Hanna also told her alleged victims she was terminally ill—adding emotional weight to her appeals for help.
Singapore police stated that preliminary investigations link her to at least five known cases of cheating, with reported losses exceeding S$200,000 (approximately $149,000). If convicted, Hanna faces up to 20 years in prison along with a possible fine.
Netflix documentary reignites scrutiny of Hanna’s past
The high-profile case gained international attention following the release of Con Mum on Netflix on March 25. The documentary follows London-based pastry chef Graham Hornigold as he reconnects with Hanna—who claimed to be his long-lost mother—during the COVID-19 pandemic. A DNA test later confirmed their biological relationship.
Initially presenting herself as the illegitimate daughter of the Sultan of Brunei, Hanna allegedly inundated Hornigold and his then-partner, Heather Kaniuk, with extravagant gifts, including luxury cars and property. But as the film reveals, the generosity came at a cost.
Over time, Hanna’s spending escalated, and Hornigold claims he was left to shoulder her mounting bills, eventually losing £300,000. The documentary also suggests that Hanna had a criminal history in the United Kingdom, including past convictions for shoplifting and fraud.
International victims and broader implications
The scheme reportedly spanned both Europe and Asia, with victims duped through fabricated stories and unverified royal connections. Prosecutors allege that Hanna used a consistent pattern—fabricating familial ties, pleading illness, and offering grand promises—to gain trust and solicit funds.
While the full scope of her alleged fraud remains under investigation, the case has underscored the growing role of digital media in exposing long-running scams. It also highlights the vulnerability of individuals drawn in by charismatic con artists operating under the guise of family, wealth, and urgency.
