Two people were arrested in Australia in connection with a “Chinese blessing scam” that defrauded a 77-year-old woman in Sydney out of cash and jewellery worth 130,000 Australian dollars (about $85,000 USD).These arrests come amid a broader investigation into a wave of similar scams, which have been reported globally for the past 25 years in countries including the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand.A 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Thursday following an in-depth investigation by Strike Force Sentinel, a special unit formed in April to investigate the scam. The following day, her alleged accomplice, also 63, was taken into custody at Brisbane Airport as he attempted to board a flight to China. Authorities say he is likely to face charges soon.These scams commonly target elderly Asian women. Victims are typically led to someone posing as a spiritual healer, who instructs them to place their money and valuables into a bag. They are then told not to open the bag for several weeks or even months. When they finally do, they find the contents missing.“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 force sentinel has received around 80 reports involving the alleged theft of 3 million Australian dollars ($2 million USD). Police believe about 50 people are involved in the scam network, with 25 identified by name and 11 arrest warrants issued so far. Surveillance footage has also captured 25 other suspects taking part.Magee noted that the crime is likely “profoundly underreported,” with many victims feeling embarrassed or ashamed. He believes the real number of cases could be double the current estimates.A similar case occurred in New Zealand last year, where three Chinese nationals were arrested while trying to leave the country. Police said they arrived in October and, within days, targeted elderly victims, stealing around 30,000 New Zealand dollars ($18,000 USD) in cash and jewellery. NSW Police are urging community members to be cautious of strangers asking for directions to herbal doctors or spiritual healers, and advised people not to bring strangers home, not to hand over valuables, and never to participate in any ritual involving the “blessing” of money or jewellery.
