A man is set to appear in a Sydney court today after being extradited from Queensland, facing serious allegations of masterminding a spiritual blessing scam. This operation, which came to light through the establishment of Strike Force Sentinel in April, specifically targets vulnerable individuals, predominantly older Chinese women from Asian backgrounds, exploiting their cultural beliefs and fears.
Law enforcement claims that the scam involves persuading victims that their families are endangered by harmful spirits, necessitating the blessing of their wealth to safeguard them from curses or health issues. The perpetrators then con the victims into exchanging their money and valuables, such as jewellery, for items of no real worth, all while advising them not to inspect the contents for a considerable time.
Reports indicate over 80 separate incidents of this nature across Sydney, notably in areas such as Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, and Hornsby, with losses exceeding $3 million in cash and valuables.
The accused, a 62-year-old man, was apprehended by federal police at Brisbane Airport last Friday. Following his court appearance in Brisbane, New South Wales police successfully secured his extradition to face charges including fraud and involvement in a criminal organisation. It is alleged that he played a role in defrauding a 77-year-old woman out of a substantial sum of money and jewellery in Parramatta in the previous month.
Denying bail, the man will be presented before the court again today. In response to these events, NSW Police have released guidelines aimed at preventing individuals from becoming victims of similar scams. They advise people to remain cautious of strangers attempting to access their money or valuables and to avoid engaging with individuals seeking directions to herbal doctors or spiritual healers. Moreover, the police recommend refraining from following unfamiliar people to appointments or bringing strangers into their homes. It’s crucial not to hand over money or valuable items, nor to put these into bags for any so-called blessing rituals.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat scams that specifically prey on vulnerable populations, underlining the importance of vigilance and awareness in preventing such crimes.