Aussie Police Nab Another “Blessing Scam” Suspect
Elderly targeted in fly-in-fly-out fraud ring.
Another individual allegedly linked to a “fly-in, fly-out” syndicate that exploits cultural beliefs to steal cash and jewelry has been charged by Australian authorities. These scams have reportedly netted $3 million in valuables.
Arrest Details
The 62-year-old man faces multiple fraud and criminal group charges for his alleged involvement in convincing older women to hand over valuables for supposed “blessing.”
According to police, the bags containing their possessions were switched.
The suspect was apprehended at Brisbane Airport on Friday and subsequently extradited to Sydney on Tuesday to face charges.
This follows the arrest of a 63-year-old woman at Sydney Airport on Thursday night, also allegedly connected to the scheme.
Modus Operandi
According to Detective Superintendent Guy Magee, the criminals frequently target older Asian women, taking advantage of cultural superstitions.
“They will convince them to go and speak to a spiritual healer, to go to their home and retrieve their life savings, all their jewellery,”
he told reporters after the woman’s arrest.
Victims are told to keep the blessed items in a bag, with warnings not to open it to avoid “bad fortune.”
“Unfortunately, the victims are opening those bags to find their money and jewellery is simply not in there,”
Det Supt Magee added.
Scope of the Crime Ring
NSW police believe that over 50 individuals may be tied to this fraud network operating across the east coast, and 11 arrest warrants have been issued.
Authorities have received reports of over 80 incidents in Sydney alone since 2023. In 2023, scams targeting the elderly cost Australians over $37 million, according to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Currently, police are looking for seven more people believed to be involved in the syndicate.
Law enforcement officials urge the public not to give money or valuables for blessing rituals and to warn elderly family members, particularly those with limited English proficiency, about the scam.
The man is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.
