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Police Charge Woman, Detain Accomplice in Sydney’s A$3 Million ‘Blessing Scam’

Strike Force Sentinel is chasing about 50 suspects under 11 outstanding arrest warrants after scammers targeted more than 80 elderly Chinese women across Sydney.

The woman allegedly duped a 77-year-old woman out of cash and jewelry.
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Police have arrested two people in connection with alleged spiritual blessing scams targeting Asian communities.

Overview

  • A 63-year-old woman arrested at Sydney International Airport has been charged with multiple deception offences and refused bail ahead of her Parramatta Local Court appearance.
  • A 63-year-old man was held at Brisbane Airport while attempting to board a flight to China and is expected to face similar charges.
  • Police allege the scammers capitalised on victims’ cultural fears by warning of curses and swapping out valuables for worthless items during fake blessing rituals.
  • Investigators have traced more than A$3 million in stolen money and jewellery across Sydney through reports to Strike Force Sentinel.
  • Authorities describe the operation as a fly-in, fly-out criminal network with links to Asia, reflecting the challenges of coordinating transnational investigations.