Strike Force Sentinel was established in April to investigate the scams.
Alleged offenders target people of Asian background, usually older Chinese women, and exploit their cultural fears, police say.
The women are persuaded their families are at risk from spirits and that they need their wealth blessed to protect them from curses or illness.
The alleged scammers then swap the victims’ money and valuables, including jewellery, for items of no value, and the victims are encouraged not to open the bags for an extended time.
Police say they have received reports for more than 80 such incidents across Sydney, including around Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, and Hornsby, with more than $3 million in cash and valuables stolen.
A 62-year-old man was arrested by federal police at Brisbane Airport on Friday.
He appeared in court in Brisbane yesterday, where NSW police were granted his extradition to NSW.
The man has been charged with multiple offences including fraud and participating in a criminal group.
Police will allege the man was involved in defrauding a 77-year-old woman of a large sum of money and jewellery in Parramatta last month.
He was refused police bail and will appear in court today.
NSW Police have issued the following advice for people to avoid falling victim to a spiritual blessing scam.
- Beware of people you don’t know and can’t identify seeking access to money and valuables.
- 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.
- Do not put money or jewellery in a bag for any blessing ritual.
