An accused fraudster has been extradited from Queensland to NSW in relation to an alleged spiritual blessing scam.

The scam allegedly targeted people of Asian backgrounds, particularly elderly Chinese women.

Police say scammers would “exploit cultural fears” and convince the women their wealth must be blessed to protect their families from spirits.

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“The women are deceived and, once the 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 not to open the bags for an extended time,” police said.

A police strike force has been running since April, investigating alleged blessing scams across Sydney since 2023.

Police have received reports of more than 80 incidents in that time and say the scams have netted a cool $3 million in cash and valuables.

Following extensive inquiries, a 62-year-old man was arrested by the Australian Federal Police at Brisbane Airport on Friday and taken to Brisbane Watchhouse, police said.

The man appeared on Tuesday at Brisbane’s Magistrate Court where detectives applied for, and were granted, his extradition to NSW. The man was transferred to Sydney the same day.

He was 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.

Police arrested the man at Brisbane airport, before he was extradited to NSW (right) in relation to an alleged blessing scam targeting elderly women (left). Credit: NSW Police

Police allege the man was involved in defrauding a 77-year-old woman of a large sum of money and jewellery at Parramatta last month.

The man was refused bail to is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.

Last week, a 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged in relation to the same spiritual blessing scam.

She was denied police bail and faced Parramatta Local Court on Friday.