A Melbourne couple who mistakenly received $6.7 million in their bank account is facing a trial for a theft charge. The couple, who received the funds by mistake, spent the money on various purchases, including multiple properties and vehicles. The crypto exchange that made the error filed a lawsuit to recover the funds.


Melbourne Couple Faces Trial After Accidentally Receiving $6.7 million and Spending Funds


A Melbourne couple who accidentally received $6.7 million in their bank account is facing a trial for a theft charge after spending the funds they received by mistake in 2021. The couple, Thevamanogari Manivel and Jatinder Singh, will be tried in October 2023.


Key developments related to this situation include:


  • Mistaken Transfer: In May 2021, Thevamanogari Manivel transferred funds to her partner Jatinder Singh's Crypto.com account. However, a refund was mistakenly issued by the exchange for $10.5 million Australian dollars instead of the intended $100 AU$. The mistake was not discovered until December 2021.

  • Spending Spree: Allegedly, the couple had gone on a spending spree before the error was detected. They reportedly purchased four houses, vehicles, and other items, as well as sent around $4 million AU$ to a Malaysian bank account.

  • Legal Action: Crypto.com filed a lawsuit in the Victoria Supreme Court to recover the mistakenly transferred funds. The court ruled in favor of the exchange, ordering the funds to be returned.

  • Defensive Claim: In October 2022, the couple claimed in court that they believed they had won a prize from the crypto exchange. Singh stated that he had received a notification from the company regarding a competition, but the exchange's compliance officer denied the existence of such a competition.

  • Legal Outcomes: Manivel pleaded guilty to recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime in September 2023. She received an 18-month community corrections order, including six months of intensive compliance and unpaid community work. Singh is set to face a plea trial on October 23.


The case involves the accidental transfer of a significant amount of funds, leading to legal proceedings to recover the mistakenly disbursed money. The trial will determine the outcome of the theft charge brought against the couple for their handling of the funds received in error.


(EZRA REGUERRA, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)