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Annalouise Spence, former private secretary to billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson, faces numerous fraud charges following her recent arrest.
The 50-year-old was detained at her Erskineville residence in Sydney’s inner west, amid allegations that she misused a business credit card to rack up over $1 million in personal expenses.
Authorities assert that Spence executed 350 fraudulent transactions over a span of two years, purportedly to support an extravagant lifestyle.
Investigators claim Spence utilized Neilson’s black American Express card, amassing charges totaling $1.6 million between March 2023 and September 2025.
The alleged expenditures reportedly include $400,000 on travel, upwards of $300,000 on clothing, and nearly $200,000 on jewelry.
Clothing and artwork was seized by detectives during a raid of her home and a storage unit in Campbelltown.
Applying for bail this afternoon, Spence’s lawyer said she was suffering from severe mental health issues, including PTSD and bipolar.
Spence’s lawyer said she had paid back more than $800,000 so far to her former employer.
Despite her attempt to pay back her alleged debts, she was refused bail.
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