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NSW Police Seek Seven More in $3 Million Spiritual ‘Blessing’ Scam

Community tips are being sought to recover assets lost by elderly Asian women.

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Overview

  • The syndicate’s ‘blessing scam’ has targeted more than 80 elderly Asian women across Sydney since mid-2023, netting over A$3 million
  • Perpetrators posed as spiritual advisers, persuading victims to seal their life savings and jewellery in bags that were then switched for valueless items
  • A 63-year-old woman arrested at Sydney Airport on July 3 and a 62-year-old man extradited from Brisbane this week have been charged and remain in custody
  • On July 9, NSW Police issued arrest warrants for seven additional alleged syndicate members believed to operate on short flights to and from China
  • Strike Force Sentinel investigators are tracing stolen cash and jewellery and urging anyone with information to come forward