A Victorian woman accused of stealing $10.5 million in false cryptocurrency refunds has been released on bail awaiting trial despite alleging she attempted to flee the country.
Thevamanogari Manivel and her partner Jatinder Singh appeared via video link from jail in Melbourne Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
In May 2021, Crypto.com intended to refund Thevamaogari Manivel $100, but erroneously transferred $10,474,143.
A Bulgarian employee processing refunds entered the wrong number in an Excel spreadsheet, Michi Chan Fores, compliance officer at Crypto.com, told the court.
They claimed that Crypto.com account was in Singh's name and he thought that he had won the prize after receiving a contest notification from the Crypto.com app.
But on contrary, Fores denies the claim stating there was no such competition and said Crypto.com did not send out push notifications to tell users about competition winnings.
Magistrate Peter Reardon granted her bail on strict condition to surrender her passport and the couple will face directions hearing in the County Court on November 8.