‘Chinese blessing rip-off’: Two arrested in Australia for scamming elderly Asian girls; rob them of money, jewellery

Representative picture credit: NSW police power

Two folks had been arrested in Australia in reference to a “Chinese blessing scam” that defrauded a 77-year-old lady in Sydney out of money and jewellery price 130,000 Australian {dollars} (about $85,000 USD).These arrests come amid a broader investigation right into a wave of comparable scams, which have been reported globally for the previous 25 years in international locations together with the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand.A 63-year-old lady was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Thursday following an in-depth investigation by Strike Force Sentinel, a particular unit fashioned in April to research the rip-off. The following day, her alleged confederate, additionally 63, was taken into custody at Brisbane Airport as he tried to board a flight to China. Authorities say he’s more likely to face costs quickly.These scams generally goal elderly Asian girls. Victims are usually led to somebody posing as a religious healer, who instructs them to position their cash and valuables right into a bag. They are then informed to not open the bag for a number of weeks and even months. When they lastly do, they discover the contents lacking.“It’s a robbery by stealth. These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian, older females. They swarm like a pack of hyenas,” reported CNN quoting New South Wales police detective superintendent Guy Magee.Strike power sentinel has obtained round 80 experiences involving the alleged theft of 3 million Australian {dollars} ($2 million USD). Police consider about 50 persons are concerned in the rip-off community, with 25 recognized by title and 11 arrest warrants issued to date. Surveillance footage has additionally captured 25 different suspects participating.Magee famous that the crime is probably going “profoundly underreported,” with many victims feeling embarrassed or ashamed. He believes the true quantity of instances might be double the present estimates.An identical case occurred in New Zealand final 12 months, the place three Chinese nationals had been arrested whereas making an attempt to depart the nation. Police stated they arrived in October and, inside days, focused elderly victims, stealing round 30,000 New Zealand {dollars} ($18,000 USD) in money and jewellery. NSW Police are urging neighborhood members to be cautious of strangers asking for instructions to natural medical doctors or religious healers, and suggested folks to not convey strangers residence, to not hand over valuables, and by no means to take part in any ritual involving the “blessing” of cash or jewellery.