Inside the police bust that ended Chinese begging ring

Fly-in fake beggars have been preying on Melburnians’ good will in a new trend, police allege, sending cash back to China. Here’s how the gang was caught.

It is late morning, and an Asian woman wearing a black cap, green and black jacket, and black pants is begging at one of the city’s busiest intersections, outside the Young & Jackson hotel on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets.

It’s something she has probably been doing for some days, even weeks — a profitable exercise that could see her raking in hundreds of dollars a day.

However, on this day the old woman’s luck has run out.

As she thrusts out her hand for change, two police officers in plain clothes, but wearing holsters with guns, approach her for a chat.

Begging on one of Melbourne’s busiest corners, opposite Flinders St station. Picture: Jason Edwards

The officers explain that she is breaking the law and, with the help of an interpreter, start asking questions about why she’s there and where she’s from.

Also present are compliance officers from the City of Melbourne, whose role includes ensuring inner- city footpaths are not obstructed by beggars.

Before long, a Chinese passport is found and about $50 in cash recovered.

The woman has recently arrived and is on a tourist visa, but she claims to be homeless, saying she needs the money to return to China after falling on hard times.

She was a target of Operation Aquim, a joint exercise between Victoria Police, the city council and Salvation Army to crack down on professional begging in the CBD.

This week’s operation found several beggars from China believed to be part of an organised ring.

Cash seized from individuals ranged from $48 to $464.

Authorities believe passports and tourist visas are organised in China, the fake beggars flown out and then handled here by Chinese nationals who collect the proceeds to send back to China.

The woman, in dark green, is here on a tourist visa, but said she had fallen on hard times. Picture: Jason Edwards

Police speak to a man in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Jason Edwards

The beggars, who all have similar begging bowls, money pouches and pillows, are put up in inner-city hostels and may only stay for a few weeks.

Acting Inspector Giovanni Travaglini, of Melbourne East police station, said Operation Aquim resulted in seven people being charged with begging and possessing property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

“A portion of those arrested and charged by police were also in possession of money- exchange receipts, which showed that Australian dollars had recently been converted into Chinese yuan,” he said.

The beggars had similar money bowls and cushions. Picture: Jason Edwards

Cash seized from individuals ranged from $48 to $464. Picture: Jason Edwards

Police allege those who have been charged initially claimed to be homeless, however police had found they had access to housing and had chosen to come into the city to beg for money.

“We are continuing to investigate this matter,” he said.

Acting Insp Travaglini said most people begging in the CBD were vulnerable and in need, but the professional begging targeted by Operation Aquim was a new trend.

“Victoria Police continues to work closely with the City of Melbourne and the Salvation Army to address rough sleeping and assist those experiencing homelessness,” he said.

READ MORE: THE CHINESE BEGGARS ALLEGEDLY SCAMMING MELBURNIANS

Acting Insp Travaglini urged people not to give money directly to beggars, but to donate to homelessness services such as the Salvos.

“If a person who is begging is acting aggressively, violently or their behaviour is placing people at risk, you can report the matter to the police by phoning triple-0,” he said.

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