Victoria Louise Duff, a 57-year-old office administrator from Christchurch, has pleaded guilty to defrauding a steel manufacturing business out of nearly $80,000. The offending occurred between May and November 2022, during her six-month tenure at the company. This latest crime adds to her extensive criminal record, which spans over three decades.
Duff, a former casino high-roller with a history of gambling addiction, was arrested in February 2023 after the business raised concerns regarding suspicious transactions. A family member of the business owner brought Duff’s criminal past to light, leading to the discovery of 35 unauthorized transfers that had been diverted into her personal bank accounts.
What makes this case particularly egregious is that much of the offending took place while Duff was waiting to be sentenced for a previous fraud. She had defrauded a plastering business of $90,000 in 2021, just before beginning her role at the steel manufacturer.
Duff’s method of deception involved referencing the names of creditors when transferring funds to herself, in an attempt to cover up her theft. Despite her criminal history, she managed to secure employment at the steel company by hiding her past.
At her court appearance on Wednesday, Duff pleaded guilty to two representative fraud charges. She is scheduled to be sentenced on both fraud cases on August 21.This is not the first time Victoria Duff has been convicted for fraud. Her criminal record includes multiple fraud-related convictions dating back to 1994. In 2007, she was sentenced to five years in prison after stealing over $100,000 from three businesses, one of which was forced into liquidation. Her fraudulent activities have spanned decades, affecting various companies and individuals.
Duff’s financial troubles have led to significant personal issues as well. She was previously declared bankrupt in 2004, and her gambling addiction has been blamed for many of her crimes. She was a VIP gambler at Christchurch Casino, where she is believed to have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars before being banned in March 2022.In addition to defrauding the steel manufacturer and plastering business, Duff’s brother, Troy Duff, has accused her of defrauding his trucking business, Heavy Transport Mechanical Solutions (HTMS), of hundreds of thousands of dollars. HTMS was forced into liquidation in 2021, owing over $1.5 million in unpaid taxes.
Troy Duff expressed shock upon learning that the business’s taxes hadn’t been paid, as his sister had been responsible for managing the accounts. Following the discovery, he attempted to confront her, but she cut off contact.
Victoria Duff’s involvement in a range of fraudulent activities continues to affect those around her, from family members to businesses and their employees. Despite her criminal past, she still managed to operate under the radar until recently.
Duff has blamed her criminal activities on her gambling addiction, a claim that she has mentioned in several interviews. She was once a high-roller at Christchurch Casino, where her addiction spiraled out of control, contributing to her financial and criminal troubles.
Before her arrest, she lived in a $1.4 million property in Christchurch, jointly owned with her partner and brother. Her life of crime has led her to this point, with a long list of victims and a tarnished reputation.
As the court case continues, Duff’s sentencing is set to shed more light on the extent of her deceit and its impact on those she defrauded.
