Multiple creditors are now chasing Barrett for unpaid debts, including another former friend who has successfully sued her in Liechtenstein for £2.7m ($3.6m).
With so many court cases and allegations, I decide to travel to Monte Carlo to see if Barrett would answer any questions.
Her apartment doesn’t look wildly luxurious from the outside. It’s set just off the seafront, in a 10-storey block with mirrored windows that reflect the sun.
It’s in the so-called Golden Square – in the vicinity of the Monte Carlo Casino, the wealthy micro-state’s biggest draw, where rows of neon Lamborghinis are parked outside.
Barrett is known to be a gambler, or former gambler. She was “notorious” in Mayfair’s private casinos, according to various casino workers.
I first see her red hair through the bushes that surround the apartment complex.
She comes out dressed in white lace and a large sunhat, holding the arm of a woman who appears to be wearing a black uniform.
“No interviews,” Barrett barks and threatens to call the police.
When I later present a full list of allegations against her via email, she writes back.
“The information gathered appears to rely on false and misleading information provided by hostile or malicious parties whose objective is to damage my reputation.
“The motivations behind this publication raise serious concerns about fairness, accuracy, and responsible journalism.”
Back in London, more than eight years years since the two women first met, Hutchcroft is still determined to get some of her money back.
She is now trying to force the sale of a property Barrett is believed to own in Israel.
It remains unclear if Barrett is out of funds – or simply refusing to pay.
“I think somewhere along the line she has got a pot of gold and she knows never must she talk about it,” says Hutchcroft.
“I can’t believe she’s ran herself to the wire and that she’s got nothing but what’s in her pockets.”
Vicky Baker investigated this story for her podcast Fraudacious, a Novel production in association with BBC Studios