3 domestic helpers admit stealing and pawning HK$14 million in valuables in Hong Kong
- Carmelita Galay Nones took jewellery, watches and gold bars from the Deep Water Bay home of her employers, David and Helen Frances Liang
- She then pawned the goods with the assistance of two relatives, who have also pleaded guilty
Three domestic helpers have admitted stealing and pawning more than HK$14 million (US$1.8 million) worth of jewellery, watches and gold bars from the luxury home of Hong Kong shipping magnate David Liang Chong-hou and his wife Helen Frances.
The High Court on Thursday heard Carmelita Galay Nones, 47, stole two Piaget watches, two gold bars and jewellery while employed as a helper at their Deep Water Bay residence between 2018 and 2019.
The jewellery included 68 earrings, 40 necklaces, 25 rings and 37 bracelets and bangles, as well as pieces made by Chanel worth HK$120,000.
She sold some of the items to at least five pawnshops, with the help of her niece Maricris Galay Nones, 32, and cousin Cristina Noble Alagna, 51, also domestic helpers. The two relatives would then pass the pawning receipts and money to Carmelita Nones.
The thefts came to light when police carried out a regular inspection of pawnshop records in July 2019 and noticed her transaction history.