Former real estate agent, Joseph Ngo, has pleaded guilty to 163 charges associated with misappropriating trust funds.

Tri Duc (Joseph) Ngo faced 302 charges relating to electronically transferring client funds into a bank account directed by his wife, Truc Thanh Le (Judy) Nguyen. At the time, Ngo was managing an LJ Hooker franchise.

Andrea Mapp, for Consumer Affairs Victoria, told the court a further 143 charges would be been struck out, considering Ngo has pleaded guilty to the other charges bought before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday. 

A CAV spokesman said Ngo’s remaining charges include 125 counts of “wrongful conversion and false accounts”, which carry a maximum penalty of “a term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years” or a $77,730 fine under the Estate Agents Act 1980.

Ngo now must face a plea hearing in the County Court, scheduled for November 8.

Ngo was required to surrender his passport, and will remain on bail until then. He must remain living at his home in Rowville, Melbourne. 

Nguyen has pleaded not guilty to similar charges and is due to appear at the Magistrates Court on November 1.

Ngo’s case had to be adjourned several times, firstly due to the CAV bringing more charges against him, and then to allow more time to analyse the “voluminous material” collated against him.

CAV has suspended Nguyen’s real estate license.

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