Latest news with #GuyMagee
1News
09-07-2025
- 1News
Man to face court over $3m Australian spiritual 'blessings' scam
Another person accused of being involved in a "fly-in, fly-out" syndicate leveraging cultural superstitions to scoop up cash and jewellery has been charged. The 62-year-old faces fraud and criminal group offences over his alleged role in the scam, which convinced the women to hand over money and valuables to be "blessed". They were told not to open bags meant to contain their valuables, which the alleged fraudsters had switched out. NSW police say it's the work of a "fly-in, fly-out" criminal syndicate. The scammers typically come to Australia from China for short stints to carry out the fraud, convincing older women that their money and belongings needed to be "blessed" to avoid bad luck, police claim. ADVERTISEMENT The man was arrested on Friday at Brisbane Airport and extradited to Sydney on Tuesday. This follows the arrest of a 63-year-old woman at Sydney Airport on Thursday night. A 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney Airport on Thursday night. (Source: NSW Police) Detective Superintendent Guy Magee said the scammers typically targeted older Asian women, exploiting 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 following the woman's arrest. The alleged scammers convince victims that items in a bag have been blessed and tell them not to open it or they will face "bad fortune". "Unfortunately, the victims are opening those bags to find their money and jewellery is simply not in there," Det Supt Magee added. ADVERTISEMENT More than 50 individuals are believed to be connected to the scam across the east coast of Australia, with 11 arrest warrants issued. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Australian doctor speaks about first meeting with Erin Patterson, why Donald Trump's swearing about Vladimir Putin, and how science could bring the moa back. (Source: 1News) Police have received reports of more than 80 incidents across Sydney since 2023. They were trying to find a further seven people believed to be involved in the syndicate. The scams were believed to have netted $3 million in cash and valuables. Police have warned people to not hand over money or jewellery for blessing rituals. Others have been urged to keep watch on older family members with limited English and warn them they could be targets of the scam. ADVERTISEMENT The man would appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.
West Australian
08-07-2025
- West Australian
Man, 62, charged as police allege Sydneysiders lost $3m to ‘spiritual blessing scam'
A man has been extradited from Queensland and another seven people are wanted by police in connection with a 'Chinese blessing scam', which has allegedly stripped Sydneysiders of more than $3m. Police allege those involved in the scam targeted elderly Chinese women and exploited their cultural fears, convincing them their families were at risk from spirits and they needed to have their wealth blessed to protect them from curse or illness. 'Once the (alleged) scammers are in possession of their money and valuables, including jewellery, the items are swapped with items of no value and the women are encouraged to not open the bags for an extended time,' NSW Police said in a statement. Police say the alleged scam dates back to July 2023. Since police began investigating in April, they have received more than 80 reports from across Sydney – including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, and Hornsby – with more than $3m in cash and valuables alleged to have been stolen. A 62-year-old man was arrested by Australian Federal Police officers at Brisbane Airport on Friday and has since been extradited to NSW. Last week, Detective Superintendent Guy Magee said the man was arrested while attempting to flee to China. 'Just this morning at 8am, a male was arrested (while) trying to leave via Brisbane Airport back to China,' he said on Friday. He was brought to Sydney on Tuesday and charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal. It's alleged he was involved in the defrauding of a 77-year-old of a large sum and jewellery in Parramatta last month. He was refused bail and is expected to front Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday. Police are also searching for seven others in connection to the scam, issuing warrants for their arrest. They are searching for Yuefen Su, a 51-year-old woman of Asian appearance, about 150cm tall with long black hair and brown eyes. Police are also searching for Yueping Wen, a 50-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with shoulder length curly black hair and brown eyes. There is a an outstanding arrest warrant for Xiaokun Gu, a 55-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Police are also searching for Xuebing Chen, a 55-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with shoulder length curly black hair and brown eyes. An outstanding arrest warrant has been issued for Zuping Huang, a 55-year-old man of Asian appearance, with short black hair and brown eyes. Police are searching for Mingzhen Liu, a 71-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with short curly brown hair and brown eyes. They are also searching for Weining Ren, a 39-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with long black hair and brown eyes. Superintendent Magee told reporters last week the alleged scammers were 'FIFO criminals', flying in and out of Australia in an attempt to defraud a vulnerable community. He described the alleged offenders as working like a 'pack of hyenas'. 'It's a robbery by stealth,' he said. 'These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian older females. 'They swarm like a pack of hyenas to be frank.' He explained the scammers were 'capitalising' on their 'own culture' by convincing the alleged victims they had 'come across bad luck'. '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 – I'm talking hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time,' Superintendent Magee told reporters. 'They'll convince (the alleged victims) to put (their belongings) into a bag. They will convince them that it's been blessed, and they'll tell them not to open that bag for a period of time – up to months. 'And if they do (open the bag), they will come across bad fortune.' Police have urged the public to be vigilant of the alleged scammers and to avoid following people to a doctor or letting strangers into a home. 'Beware of people you don't know and can't identify seeking access to money and valuables,' they said. 'Beware of people asking for directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer. 'Do not follow people you have just met to a doctor or healer. Do not continue conversation with strangers and leave the location. 'Do not bring strangers home. 'Do not hand over money, jewellery, or valuable items to stranger, and do not put money or jewellery in a bag for any blessing ritual.'
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Perth Now
New details of $3m ‘blessing scam' revealed
A man has been extradited from Queensland and another seven people are wanted by police in connection with a 'Chinese blessing scam', which has allegedly stripped Sydneysiders of more than $3m. Police allege those involved in the scam targeted elderly Chinese women and exploited their cultural fears, convincing them their families were at risk from spirits and they needed to have their wealth blessed to protect them from curse or illness. 'Once the (alleged) scammers are in possession of their money and valuables, including jewellery, the items are swapped with items of no value and the women are encouraged to not open the bags for an extended time,' NSW Police said in a statement. Police say the alleged scam dates back to July 2023. A man has been extradited from Queensland for allegedly targeting elderly Asian women in a blessing scam. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire Since police began investigating in April, they have received more than 80 reports from across Sydney – including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, and Hornsby – with more than $3m in cash and valuables alleged to have been stolen. A 62-year-old man was arrested by Australian Federal Police officers at Brisbane Airport on Friday and has since been extradited to NSW. Last week, Detective Superintendent Guy Magee said the man was arrested while attempting to flee to China. 'Just this morning at 8am, a male was arrested (while) trying to leave via Brisbane Airport back to China,' he said on Friday. The man was at Brisbane Airport allegedly attempting to flee to China. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire He was brought to Sydney on Tuesday and charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal. It's alleged he was involved in the defrauding of a 77-year-old of a large sum and jewellery in Parramatta last month. He was refused bail and is expected to front Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday. Police are also searching for seven others in connection to the scam, issuing warrants for their arrest. Police are searching for Zuping Huang, who is of Asian appearance, with short black hair and brown eyes. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire Police are searching for Yueping Wen, who is of Asian appearance, with shoulder-length curly black hair and brown eyes. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire They are searching for Yuefen Su, a 51-year-old woman of Asian appearance, about 150cm tall with long black hair and brown eyes. Police are also searching for Yueping Wen, a 50-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with shoulder length curly black hair and brown eyes. There is a an outstanding arrest warrant for Xiaokun Gu, a 55-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Police are also searching for Xuebing Chen, a 55-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with shoulder length curly black hair and brown eyes. An arrest warrant has been issued for Yuefen Su, who is described as being of Asian appearance, about 150cm tall with long black hair and brown eyes. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire They are also searching for Weining Ren, who is described as being of Asian appearance, with long black hair and brown eyes. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire An outstanding arrest warrant has been issued for Zuping Huang, a 55-year-old man of Asian appearance, with short black hair and brown eyes. Police are searching for Mingzhen Liu, a 71-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with short curly brown hair and brown eyes. They are also searching for Weining Ren, a 39-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with long black hair and brown eyes. Police are looking for Xiaokun Gu, a woman of Asian appearance, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire Police are searching for Mingzhen Liu, a woman of Asian appearance, with short curly brown hair and brown eyes. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire There is an outstanding arrest warrant for Xuebing Chen, a woman of Asian appearance, with shoulder length curly black hair and brown eyes. NewsWire Handout Credit: NewsWire Superintendent Magee told reporters last week the alleged scammers were 'FIFO criminals', flying in and out of Australia in an attempt to defraud a vulnerable community. He described the alleged offenders as working like a 'pack of hyenas'. 'It's a robbery by stealth,' he said. 'These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian older females. 'They swarm like a pack of hyenas to be frank.' He explained the scammers were 'capitalising' on their 'own culture' by convincing the alleged victims they had 'come across bad luck'. '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 – I'm talking hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time,' Superintendent Magee told reporters. 'They'll convince (the alleged victims) to put (their belongings) into a bag. They will convince them that it's been blessed, and they'll tell them not to open that bag for a period of time – up to months. 'And if they do (open the bag), they will come across bad fortune.' Last week, a 63-year-old woman was charged with scamming elderly people of more than $3m. NSW Police Credit: Supplied Police have urged the public to be vigilant of the alleged scammers and to avoid following people to a doctor or letting strangers into a home. 'Beware of people you don't know and can't identify seeking access to money and valuables,' they said. 'Beware of people asking for directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer. 'Do not follow people you have just met to a doctor or healer. Do not continue conversation with strangers and leave the location. 'Do not bring strangers home. 'Do not hand over money, jewellery, or valuable items to stranger, and do not put money or jewellery in a bag for any blessing ritual.'
News.com.au
08-07-2025
- News.com.au
Man, 62, charged as police allege Sydneysiders lost $3m to ‘spiritual blessing scam'
A man has been extradited from Queensland and another seven people are wanted by police in connection with a 'Chinese blessing scam', which has allegedly stripped Sydneysiders of more than $3m. Police allege those involved in the scam targeted elderly Chinese women and exploited their cultural fears, convincing them their families were at risk from spirits and they needed to have their wealth blessed to protect them from curse or illness. 'Once the (alleged) scammers are in possession of their money and valuables, including jewellery, the items are swapped with items of no value and the women are encouraged to not open the bags for an extended time,' NSW Police said in a statement. Police say the alleged scam dates back to July 2023. Since police began investigating in April, they have received more than 80 reports from across Sydney – including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, and Hornsby – with more than $3m in cash and valuables alleged to have been stolen. A 62-year-old man was arrested by Australian Federal Police officers at Brisbane Airport on Friday and has since been extradited to NSW. Last week, Detective Superintendent Guy Magee said the man was arrested while attempting to flee to China. 'Just this morning at 8am, a male was arrested (while) trying to leave via Brisbane Airport back to China,' he said on Friday. He was brought to Sydney on Tuesday and charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal. It's alleged he was involved in the defrauding of a 77-year-old of a large sum and jewellery in Parramatta last month. He was refused bail and is expected to front Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday. Police are also searching for seven others in connection to the scam, issuing warrants for their arrest. They are searching for Yuefen Su, a 51-year-old woman of Asian appearance, about 150cm tall with long black hair and brown eyes. Police are also searching for Yueping Wen, a 50-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with shoulder length curly black hair and brown eyes. There is a an outstanding arrest warrant for Xiaokun Gu, a 55-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Police are also searching for Xuebing Chen, a 55-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with shoulder length curly black hair and brown eyes. An outstanding arrest warrant has been issued for Zuping Huang, a 55-year-old man of Asian appearance, with short black hair and brown eyes. Police are searching for Mingzhen Liu, a 71-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with short curly brown hair and brown eyes. They are also searching for Weining Ren, a 39-year-old woman of Asian appearance, with long black hair and brown eyes. Superintendent Magee told reporters last week the alleged scammers were 'FIFO criminals', flying in and out of Australia in an attempt to defraud a vulnerable community. He described the alleged offenders as working like a 'pack of hyenas'. 'It's a robbery by stealth,' he said. 'These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian older females. 'They swarm like a pack of hyenas to be frank.' He explained the scammers were 'capitalising' on their 'own culture' by convincing the alleged victims they had 'come across bad luck'. '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 – I'm talking hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time,' Superintendent Magee told reporters. 'They'll convince (the alleged victims) to put (their belongings) into a bag. They will convince them that it's been blessed, and they'll tell them not to open that bag for a period of time – up to months. 'And if they do (open the bag), they will come across bad fortune.' Police have urged the public to be vigilant of the alleged scammers and to avoid following people to a doctor or letting strangers into a home. 'Beware of people you don't know and can't identify seeking access to money and valuables,' they said. 'Beware of people asking for directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer. 'Do not follow people you have just met to a doctor or healer. Do not continue conversation with strangers and leave the location. 'Do not bring strangers home. 'Do not hand over money, jewellery, or valuable items to stranger, and do not put money or jewellery in a bag for any blessing ritual.'
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Perth Now
Man to face court over $3m spiritual 'blessings' scam
Another person accused of being involved in a "fly-in, fly-out" syndicate leveraging cultural superstitions to scoop up cash and jewellery has been charged. The 62-year-old faces fraud and criminal group offences over his alleged role in the scam, which convinced the women to hand over money and valuables to be "blessed". They were told not to open bags meant to contain their valuables, which the alleged fraudsters had switched out. NSW Police say it's the work of a "fly-in, fly-out" criminal syndicate. The scammers typically come to Australia from China for short stints to carry out the fraud, convincing older women that their money and belongings needed to be "blessed" to avoid bad luck, police claim. The man was arrested on Friday at Brisbane Airport and extradited to Sydney on Tuesday. This follows the arrest of a 63-year-old woman at Sydney Airport on Thursday night. Detective Superintendent Guy Magee said the scammers typically targeted older Asian women, exploiting 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 following the woman's arrest. The alleged scammers convince victims that items in a bag have been blessed and tell them not to open it or they will face "bad fortune". "Unfortunately, the victims are opening those bags to find their money and jewellery is simply not in there," Det Supt Magee added. More than 50 individuals are believed to be connected to the scam across the east coast of Australia, with 11 arrest warrants issued. Police have received reports of more than 80 incidents across Sydney since 2023. They are trying to find a further seven people believed to be involved in the syndicate. The scams are believed to have netted $3 million in cash and valuables. Police have warned people to not hand over money or jewellery for blessing rituals. Others have been urged to keep watch on older family members with limited English and warn them they could be targets of the scam. The man will appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.
