A woman has been arrested in connection with a suspected scam that targeted the Asian community in Sydney, particularly exploiting elderly Chinese women. This alleged scheme has been under police investigation since April 2023, with authorities believing it has been active since July of that year.
The scam operates by preying on cultural fears, convincing victims that their families are endangered by spirits. To ward off these perceived threats, the women are told they need to have their wealth blessed. This process involves deceiving them into giving up bags containing their valuables, which the scammers then replace with worthless items. Victims are further manipulated into refraining from opening these bags for an extended period under the guise of a blessing ritual.
New South Wales Police have recorded over 80 such incidents in various locations across Sydney, including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, and Hornsby. Reports indicate that more than $3 million worth of cash and valuable items have been taken.
The investigation culminated in the arrest of a 63-year-old woman at Sydney International Airport, aided by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). She is alleged to have defrauded a 77-year-old woman out of a significant sum and valuables in Parramatta last month. Following her arrest, the woman was taken to Mascot Police Station, where she was charged with several offences, including obtaining a financial advantage by deception and involvement in a criminal group.
The accused was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in Parramatta Local Court today.