Two arrests for Chinese blessings in Australia
Two arrests for Chinese blessings in Australia
Brisbane, Australia - two alleged fraudsters who are accused of stolen tens of thousands of dollars in cash were arrested by the Australian police. These investigations are related to a number of “Chinese blessings.”
What are Chinese blessings?
Over the past 25 years, Chinese blessings have been reported worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. In these fraud stitches, older Asian women are typically targeted. The perpetrators persuade their victims that a family member cursed or in danger. In order to avert these negative spirits, the victims are talked out that their assets must be blessed.
The stitch of the fraudsters
"It is a robbery through deception. These perpetrators surround their vulnerable victims, mostly older Asian women, like a pack of hyenas," said the detective superintendent of the New South Wales police, Guy Magee.
A 63-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday at Sydney International Airport after extensive investigations by the special unit Strike Force Sentinel. This unit was founded in April to investigate 80 reports of such frauds that allegedly include theft of $ 3 million ($ 2 million). She was charged with several offenses.
arrests and investigations
her alleged accomplice, a 63-year-old man, was arrested at Brisbane Airport on Friday when he tried to leave Australia on a flight to China. It is expected that he will be charged soon.
"The alleged perpetrators of the Chinese blessings are aimed at the entire east coast of Australia," reported Detective Superintendent Magee on Friday.
The procedure of the perpetrators
Typically, the older victim is brought to a person who pretends to be a spiritual healer, and tells them that they should put their money and valuables in a pocket. "They convince the victims that they have been blessed and tell them that they should not open the bag over a certain period of time, sometimes up to months.
Unfortunately, the victims often open these pockets and find that their money and jewelry have simply disappeared. "It's outrageous," he added.
police estimates
The two suspects arrested this week are suspected of having cheated cash and jewelry worth $ 130,000 in the western suburb of Sydney, Parramatta in June.
The NSW police estimate that around 50 people are involved in the fraud system and they have identified 25 suspects by name. In addition, another 25 people can be seen on cameras who are allegedly involved in the frauds. Eleven arrest warrants have already been issued.
under -reporting of the crime
"It's like a role -playing game. Nothing you do happens by chance; you have all intentionally defined roles," said Magee. Furthermore, the investigators believe that these crimes are "deeply under -reported" because the victims have been cheated because of their shame and embarrassment, shy away. The actual number of cases could be "probably twice as high", he added.
international developments
Last November, the New Zealand police officers arrested three Chinese citizens when they tried to leave the country on flights to China after allegedly stolen thousands of dollars. The police claim that the trio came to the country in October and began to target older members of the community within a few days.The alleged fraudsters cheated on two victims of around 30,000 New Zealand dollars ($ 18,000) in cash and jewelry, as the police reported in a statement. A "significant amount" money could be ensured.
prevention tips of the police
The NSW police advised the community to be careful when strangers ask for a Chinese herb doctor or spiritual healer. "Don't bring any strangers home," was the council. Do not hand over any valuables to unknowns and "Do not put any money or jewelry in a pocket for a blessing ritual".
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