Private Secretary to Billionaire Philanthropist Charged in $1.6M Fraud Case
The former private secretary of billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson has been charged with 68 counts of fraud after allegedly using a business credit card to make unauthorized purchases totaling over $1.6 million. Annalouise Spence, 50, was arrested in Erskineville, Sydney, following police raids on her home and a storage unit in Campbelltown.
Alleged Unauthorized Luxury Purchases
New South Wales police reported that Spence allegedly used a business credit account between March 2023 and September 2025 to buy luxury items, including clothing, artwork, and jewellery. During searches, officers seized 115 items, such as handbags, jewellery, and documents. The investigation began in November last year into fraudulent expense claims at a Chippendale business linked to Neilson.
Court Proceedings and Bail Refusal
At a court hearing on Thursday, Spence was refused bail. Police opposed bail, citing concerns she might interfere with witnesses, despite her lack of criminal history. They noted she had made admissions by repaying funds. Spence's lawyer, Bryan Wrench, argued for bail, stating she had repaid nearly $850,000 to her employer and suffers from bipolar disorder and complex PTSD, requiring extensive medication.
Wrench criticized the police charge sheet as defective, with one charge appearing to be a template lacking specific details. The defense received police facts only on Wednesday evening, forcing them to rely on media reports for information. Judge Lucas Swan acknowledged the charge sheet was confusing but deemed the case overwhelming, predicting a custodial sentence if convicted.
Background and Discovery of Fraud
Spence began working as Neilson's private secretary in March 2017. The alleged fraud was detected after a restructuring of Neilson's office led to Spence leaving her role in September last year. Neilson's new executive assistant noticed discrepancies, including a $58,600 bill for a Rolex watch from London and a $21,000 Harrods charge, while Neilson was not in the UK.
After being contacted, Spence apologized and repaid some money, but more issues emerged. She allegedly obtained a supplementary American Express Centurion card in her name without authorization, spending $400,000 on travel, $335,000 on fashion, and $184,000 on jewellery. Additionally, she reportedly transferred nearly 1 million Qantas frequent flyer points for personal use and withdrew cash under false pretenses.
Philanthropist's Response and Ongoing Investigation
Judith Neilson, founder of the Judith Neilson Institute and owner of the White Rabbit art gallery, was unaware of the supplementary card and had inadvertently paid $40,000 for Spence's 50th birthday party, including expenses for monogrammed napkins and designer items. Neilson's team hired a risk manager in November and collaborated with police.
Investigations are continuing, with the case adjourned until May 7. Spence has not entered a plea. Neilson, with a net worth of about $1.2 billion according to the Australian Financial Review, is known for her philanthropic efforts in journalism and the arts.
