SYDNEY — More than $3 million in cash and valuables have allegedly been stolen from elderly Chinese women in a complex “spiritual blessing” scam operated by a foreign criminal syndicate. As the investigation widens, police are searching for over 50 suspects connected to the elaborate scheme.
Yuee Ruan, 63, was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Thursday after flying in from China. Authorities allege she returned with the intent to continue scamming vulnerable victims.
“They’re best described as FIFO criminals — flying in, offending, and flying out,” said Detective Superintendent Guy Magee during a press briefing. He described the group as an organised criminal network with at least 80 incidents across Sydney since 2023.
Ruan has been charged in connection with a recent scam in Parramatta where a 77-year-old woman was allegedly defrauded of $130,000 in cash and valuables. Charges against Ruan include dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and contributing to criminal group activity.
In a related arrest, another 63-year-old man was taken into custody at Brisbane Airport Friday morning and is facing extradition to Sydney. He is also linked to the Parramatta scam and had entered Australia via Melbourne.
Police allege the syndicate mainly targets elderly Chinese women, manipulating cultural fears by warning victims that curses or spirits could harm their families. Victims are urged to have their money and jewellery “blessed” — only to have the real items swapped for worthless substitutes.
“These scammers swarm like a pack of hyenas,” Magee said. “They understand the culture, exploit it, and prey on their own communities.”
Each scam involves multiple actors performing specific roles — from approaching victims in public to impersonating spiritual healers. The fraudsters often instruct the victims not to check their belongings for days after the “blessing,” delaying discovery of the theft.
CCTV footage recently released from Patrick Street in Blacktown shows a 73-year-old woman being approached by three women before handing over tens of thousands of dollars in jewellery. Police have issued public appeals to help identify the trio.
Authorities believe the scam is far more widespread than reported due to the stigma and shame associated with such crimes. “Anecdotally, I think the offending is at least double what we know,” Magee said.
NSW Police have been investigating the so-called “Chinese blessing scams” since July 2023, and issued a public warning in October urging people not to give valuables or personal information to strangers offering spiritual protection.
In one case, a 76-year-old woman in Campsie was told her daughter would be injured unless her wealth was “blessed.” In another, a 71-year-old woman in Cabramatta was warned that her son would be in a car crash unless a spiritual curse was lifted.
As the crackdown continues, police are urging the public — especially elderly members of the Chinese community — to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and avoid giving valuables to anyone claiming supernatural powers.
