Real estate agent convicted after misusing more than half a million dollars from trust account
A Sydney-based real estate who misused house deposits to fund her own lifestyle has pleaded guilty to three charges following an investigation by NSW Fair Trading.
Huijuan ‘Jenny’ Zhou of EW Property Group was found to have repeatedly used housing deposits held in the business trust account for her own benefit, including repayments for loans on her home and purchasing an office.
In one instance, Ms Zhou misused a $190,000 house deposit paid to EW Property Group and when the property was later sold to another buyer, Ms Zhou failed to respond to the original purchaser.
The funds were only repaid after the consumer engaged lawyers and lodged a complaint with NSW Fair Trading.
While all affected consumers were eventually reimbursed, in one case it took Ms Zhou 15 months to return the full $123,000.
Ms Zhou was sentenced in the Parramatta Local Court on 17 June 2026, after pleading guilty, in relation to three offences under the Property and Stock Agents Act 2022 for fraudulently obtaining $539,000 from the company’s trust account between 2 October 2023 and 19 December 2023.
She has received a 10 month intensive corrections order, which included a requirement to complete 100 hours of community service.
Transparency and accountability across the sector have been strengthened through the introduction of NSW Fair Trading’s Name and Shame Register, helping consumers make informed choices when engaging with property professionals and deterring poor behaviour by agents.
Ms Zhou’s conviction will be listed on the Name and Shame Register. Consumers who suspect misconduct should report it to NSW Fair Trading.
Quotes to be attributed to Acting NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Andrew Floro:
“Misuse of client funds by a real estate agent is a serious breach of trust, particularly when people are seeking to buy a home.”
“This prosecution shows NSW Fair Trading will not tolerate real estate agents who act dishonestly.”
“Trust accounts exist to protect consumers, not to be treated as a personal line of credit. Agents who misuse client funds are breaking the law and will face enforcement action.”
“Anyone who breaches the rules will face consequences, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to protecting consumers.”