Besides T-Online and Terra Networks, Freeserve, the next biggest by market capitalisation, was set up by Dixon's, a British retailer.

ECONOMIST: Internet investing

Psychologists point out serious mental health consequences of being in Dixon's situation for a long time.

CNN: Unemployment takes tough mental toll

Prosecutors say Crundwell began depositing Dixon's money in a secret bank account in January 1991 and continued doing so until her arrest in April 2012.

BBC: Rita Crundwell jailed for $53m theft from Dixon, Illinois