Judy Thanh Truc and Joseph Ng. Photo: Supplied A Melbourne LJ Hooker franchisee has been charged with more than 200 offences and could face jail time over $2 million of clients’ money allegedly missing from the trust accounts of her six offices.
Judy Nguyen – sole director of LJ Hooker’s Glen Waverley, Keysborough, Mount Waverley, Burwood, Doncaster and Box Hill offices — could be slapped with fines up to $140,000 or jail time.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has charged Mrs Nguyen (also known as Judy Thanh Truc) with 216 offences, while her employee and husband Joseph Ngo is facing 188 charges relating to at least $2 million of clients’ money from the franchisee’s trust account (a holding account for deposits, bonds and rent).
Judy Thanh Truc and Joseph Ngo. Photo: Supplied
She has been charged with offences under the Estate Agents Act that ban agents from purchasing property for their own gain, as well as three sections relating to where and how trust funds must be kept.
Mrs Nguyen, who as at last April had a property portfolio estimated at $4.65 million, offered for sale her two Narre Warren North homes at an in-room auction in Noble Park.
The collapse of the six offices last April affected 110 home owners, landlords and tenants.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has now approved more than $2 million in claims to 58 clients over the missing funds.
Mrs Nguyen and Mr Ngo are scheduled to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court next week.