Beauty salon owner faces 10 years in jail for swindling A-list celebs
By ANISaturday, January 22, 2011
LONDON - The owner of a Beverly Hills beauty salon is facing up to 10 years in jail for swindling celebrities.
Maria Gabriela Hashemipour stole the credit card details of her A-list clients and used the money to fund a millionaire lifestyle.
False charges of more than 130,000 pounds were made on two credit cards belonging to actress Liv Tyler, a court in Los Angeles heard.
It was reported the beautician also falsely charged 10,000 pounds to Anne Hathaway, 5,000 pounds to Melanie Griffith, about 3,000 pounds to Penelope Cruz and almost 14,000 pounds to Cher.
She faces a fine of up to 160,000 pounds and a maximum 10-year prison term. She must also pay back her wronged clients in full.
Fraudster Hashemipour was arrested at her salon, the Chez Gabriela Studio, last August.
Police stepped in after Hollywood jewellery designer Loree Rodkin said 42,000 pounds was charged to her card without her authorisation.
“I’m happy it’s over and she’s going to jail. I’ve recovered the money from the credit card company,” the Daily Express quoted Rodkin as saying.
“But it’s the fact someone can steal from you who is in a position of trust. It’s staggering,” Rodkin added. (ANI)
