Sydney real estate agent Huijuan Zhou sentenced for misusing $539,000 in client deposits

Huijuan “Jenny” Zhou, a licensed real estate agent with EW Property Group in Sydney, was found guilty of diverting more than AUD 539,000 from trust accounts that held home‑buyer deposits. The misappropriated funds, including a A$190,000 deposit and a later A$123,000 sum, were used to service personal loans and purchase office space. After complaints by affected buyers and legal action, NSW Fair Trading recovered the money and prosecuted Zhou.

The Parramatta Local Court imposed a 10‑month intensive correction order, requiring Zhou to report to police regularly and complete 100 hours of community service. She was also placed on the NSW Fair Trading “Name and Shame” register to warn consumers. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Andrew Floro said the case underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting home‑buyers and enforcing strict use of trust accounts.

The case highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in Australia’s real‑estate sector and serves as a warning to other agents about the serious consequences of breaching client‑trust obligations.