Named: Yuee Ruan charged over alleged spiritual blessing scam

CCTV has been released as part of investigations into alleged Chinese blessing scammers who are “working in packs” and as organised criminals who fly in and out of Australia, according to police.

Alleged Chinese blessing scammers are “working in packs” and as organised criminals who fly in and out of Australia for short periods, according to police.

The alleged offenders are targeting elderly Chinese women, among others, along the east coast of Australia, exploiting their cultural fears before scamming them into handing over money and valuables.

“It’s a robbery by stealth,” Detective Superintendent Guy Magee said.

“They fly in for short periods of time, up to 20 on occasions over two years … they’ll prey on the vulnerable in their own community.

“They’ll capitalise on the vulnerability of that community around superstition. It’s actually quite heartbreaking.”

CCTV vision has been released as part of investigations from October 21, 2024, near a shopping centre on Patrick Street, Blacktown.

A 73-year-old woman was approached by three unknown women before she was allegedly convinced to handover jewellery worth tens of thousands of dollars. The CCTV vision shows three women who police believe can assist with their inquiries.

Yuee Ruan, 63, was arrested by police at Sydney International Airport. Picture: NSW Police

A man and woman have been charged after investigations into more than 80 of these scams across Sydney since 2023.

Police set up Strike Force Sentinel in April following reports of a ‘Chinese blessing scam’ that had been happening across Sydney since July 2023 in Parramatta, Burwood, Ryde, Ku-ring-gai, North Shore and Hornsby.

The scammers scare people into believing their families are at risk from spirits, and convince them they need to have their wealth blessed in order to be protected from any curse or illness.

Once people hand over money and valuables, the alleged scammers swap the items out for ones of no value, while encouraging their victims not to open the bags for long periods of time.

Ruan is alleged to have been part of the larger scamming ring. Picture: NSW Police

It’s estimated more than $3m in cash and valuables has been stolen.

At 7.15pm on Thursday, detectives arrested Yuee Ruan, 63, at Sydney International Airport, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police.

She was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, participating in a criminal group – contributing criminal activity and demanding property in company with menaces with intent to steal.

It’s alleged by police that Ruan was involved in scamming a 77-year-old woman out of $130,000 cash and jewellery in Parramatta last month.

No pleas have been entered yet, with Ruan remaining in custody after not applying for bail.

She will face a Parramatta Local Court on July 8.

At 8am, police also arrested a 63-year-old man who allegedly tried to flee the country through Brisbane Airport.

Another man who police allege is part of the criminal group was arrested in New Zealand and is currently serving out a sentence for the offence.

Det Supt Magee confirmed NSW Police would be seeking to extradite the man in Brisbane back to the state on Monday.

Police allege the man also targeted the 77-year-old and had travelled to Australia through Melbourne.

“We’ve identified up to 25 individuals by name … we’ve taken out 11 arrest warrants for these offenders,” Det Supt Magee said.

He also described the alleged scammer as “FIFO criminals” and “organised”, stating the

accused “travel in packs” and targeted the east coast of Australia.

Det Sup Magee lashed the alleged scammers for targeting people in their “own culture”.

“When you think about who they’re targeting, it’s their own culture that they have that inside knowledge of and they’re capitalising on that knowledge,” he said.

He’s also issued a stark warning to the alleged scammers, stating the police “are onto you”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.