Melbourne Couple Faces Trial Over Accidental $6.7 Million Windfall

Accidental Windfall and Legal Consequences

A Melbourne couple is confronting legal issues after inadvertently receiving 10.5 million Australian dollars, equivalent to $6.7 million, due to a transaction error in 2021. The funds were mistakenly transferred to Thevamanogari Manivel's bank account during a refund process by a cryptocurrency exchange.

How the Error Occurred

The incident began in May 2021 when Manivel attempted to transfer a modest sum of 100 AU$ into her partner Jatinder Singh’s account on a cryptocurrency platform. The platform detected a mismatch between the bank account and the exchange account, prompting a refund. However, an error resulted in the erroneous transfer of 10.5 million AU$ instead of the intended refund amount.

Spending the Unexpected Fortune

Upon receiving the unexpected windfall, the couple proceeded to spend a significant portion of the funds. Notably, they purchased a property valued at 1.35 million AU$. The rapid expenditure of the mistakenly received funds contributed to the legal scrutiny they now face.

Upcoming Legal Proceedings

The couple is now preparing for a plea trial scheduled for October, where they will face charges of theft related to the accidental transfer and subsequent spending. This situation underscores the importance of promptly addressing financial discrepancies and the potential legal consequences of spending funds received in error.

Implications and Lessons

This case highlights the critical need for vigilance in financial transactions, especially in the digital currency sector. It serves as a reminder of the importance of promptly resolving financial errors to avoid legal ramifications. As digital transactions become more common, ensuring accuracy and accountability remains paramount.