Background of the Blunder
In an astonishing twist of fate (or perhaps a comedy of errors), a Melbourne couple found themselves entangled in legal drama after a staggering $6.6 million was mistakenly deposited into their account by Crypto.com. The misstep occurred in May 2021, when a compliance officer, likely having one too many cups of coffee, accidentally entered incorrect details into an Excel spreadsheet.
The Claim of a Competitive Win
The couple, Thevamanogari Manivel and Jatinder Singh, are currently putting on a legal show in the Victoria Supreme Court, where they claim they thought the funds were unclaimed competition winnings. It’s almost as if they were tuning in to a reality TV show filled with plot twists rather than facing hefty theft charges.
Singh’s Argument
Singh, in his defense, asserted that he believed he had indeed struck gold in a contest run by Crypto.com. However, a compliance officer, Michi Chan Fores, poured cold water over this theory, stating that no such competition had taken place, leaving Singh looking a bit like a contestant on a game show that never aired.
Spending Spree or Misunderstanding?
The couple’s escapades included purchasing four houses, luxury vehicles, art, gifting relatives, and even lavishing money on furniture. One notable purchase was a 1.35 million AUD property in Craigieburn, which the court has since ordered to be sold. It’s unclear whether their real estate agent registered the deal as “whoopsie-daisy delivery” or “cryptocurrency confusion special.”
Trip to Malaysia
Manivel’s attempts to fly to Malaysia with 11,000 AUD raised eyebrows and alarm at the Melbourne airport, resulting in a swift arrest. Her lawyer argues that this was merely a case of a distressed traveler trying to escape unforeseen “drama,” and not a clever ruse to flee justice. Additionally, the terms of her bail include a passport surrender, which certainly adds a twist to any vacation plans.
A Still Unfolding Saga
With around $7 million already returned to Crypto.com and another $3 million still missing in action, the tale continues to unfold. Their next court date for a direction hearing is scheduled for November 8, and one can only imagine what other surprises await the courtroom audience.
Conclusion: Crypto Chaos Ensues
This dramatic saga of mistaken deposits, lavish spending, and a mix of law and laughter fits right into the modern narrative of cryptocurrency and its chaotic landscape. Whether you find this situation humorous or horrifying, it certainly proves that sometimes in life, a financial windfall can lead to a whirlwind of trouble.
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