SAN FRANCISCO—Authorities from the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, with help from the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Investigations Unit and agencies in New Work have apprehended one of the suspects involved in the Chinese Blessing Scam.
The scam has been targeting members of the Chinese community in San Francisco, as well as parts of Los Angeles.
The suspect has been identified as a 61-year-old Chinese National. The suspect was positively identified in two incidents that occurred in SF, and at least one in Los Angeles and New York City. When she attempted to flee the United States to return to China, she was detained by United States Customs and Border Patrol.
Both the SF police and NY police obtained warrants for the suspect before she could leave the country. The suspect is currently being held in New York pending charges and awaiting extradition back to SF to face charges that include grand theft, conspiracy, extortion and elder abuse.
San Francisco authorities are urging older members of the Chinese community to be suspicious of strangers claiming to provide relief from a curse or who provide “purification” ceremonies in which cash and valuable items must be offered as part of the process. Potential victims are strongly advised to contact police immediately if confronted with such a situation.
Anyone with information regarding the other suspects involving in the scam are asked to contact the SFPD tip line at (415) 553-9212.
By Staff
