Three Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong will be sentenced on Tuesday, Sept. 7, after stealing valuables worth over HK$14 million from their employers.
In a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, the Filipina, who was identified as Carmelita Galay Nones, 47, took jewelery, watches, and gold bars from her employers, David and Helen Frances Liang.
The stolen items included 68 earrings, 40 necklaces, 25 rings, and 37 bracelets and bangles, as well as pieces made by Chanel worth HK$120,000, it added.
Carmelita pawned the stolen items with the assistance of her niece Maricris Galay Nones, 32, and cousin Cristina Noble Alagna, 51, who are also domestic helpers.
Between June 17, 2018 and July 27, 2019, Carmelita had pawned at least HK$6 million worth of necklaces, bangles, bracelets, earrings, rings, gold bars and coins for HK$688,850 that she took from Liang's residence in Deep Water Bay, the SCMP reported.
Carmelita pleaded guilty to six counts of theft in the High Court, while Maricris and Cristina admitted to four and six counts of theft in handling the stolen properties.
The Hong Kong police said it noticed Carmelita's transaction history after carrying its regular inspection of pawnshop records in July 2019.
The victims had to pay over HK$1.45 million to recover only part of the stolen items.