Latest news with #SydneyInternationalAirport
The Advertiser
11-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Son vows to get injured lifesaver mum home from Greece after serious crash
An injured Australian resident lies alone in a Greek public hospital with no privacy, a language barrier, unclothed, with just a sheet across her. Narelle Massey was on an overseas holiday and had been enjoying an ATV ride with her sister when the unthinkable occurred, which resulted in numerous injuries. Narelle, from Merimbula in NSW, sustained a punctured lung, splenic hematoma, fractured spine, broken ribs and a broken pelvis. The woman was airlifted from Naxos, a Greek island in the South Aegea, to Athens for treatment. But her son Aaron Reid said the experience had been terrible. Aaron was standing at the Sydney International Airport on July 10, with a wheelchair among his luggage, prepared to fly to see his mum and arrange plans to bring her home. "I won't be leaving her until I bring her back home," he told ACM's Bega District News. "Mum's an amazing human, mate. She's a volunteer surf life saver and helps every year with the Pambula same wave program." "She's been a surf lifesaver since 17. She was one of the first female life rescue radio operators. "I just have to get there," Mr Reid stressed. He said it had been difficult to communicate due to the difference in time zones and the language barrier. However, he had spoken with the embassy over there numerous times and they had helped. Narelle and her sister Pam were originally going to the United Kingdom for a family wedding, but had decided to go via Greece when the unfortunate incident happened. Due to a health insurance dispute with Narelle's bank, Aaron was looking to an ombudsman. "They denied the insurance. She thought she was covered for the ATV, and they've denied it all. We have the reports for it all," he said. "It went from bad to worse. It's been frustrating for everyone involved." Tracy Wallis, a friend of Narelle's from Yellow Pinch, organised a GoFundMe to raise donations to help bring her home to the Far South Coast. "She's pretty down," Ms Wallis said, as she described her friend's spirits. "She had her insurance. She rang them and asked them before she went on the quad bike if she needed extra cover, as she's a very cross-the-T's and dot-the-I's type of person," she said. "They told her no. She accepted that the insurance she had would be ok. "Since she had the [incident] they are refusing to cover her because she didn't have the extra cover." Those wishing to donate can find the fundraiser here. An injured Australian resident lies alone in a Greek public hospital with no privacy, a language barrier, unclothed, with just a sheet across her. Narelle Massey was on an overseas holiday and had been enjoying an ATV ride with her sister when the unthinkable occurred, which resulted in numerous injuries. Narelle, from Merimbula in NSW, sustained a punctured lung, splenic hematoma, fractured spine, broken ribs and a broken pelvis. The woman was airlifted from Naxos, a Greek island in the South Aegea, to Athens for treatment. But her son Aaron Reid said the experience had been terrible. Aaron was standing at the Sydney International Airport on July 10, with a wheelchair among his luggage, prepared to fly to see his mum and arrange plans to bring her home. "I won't be leaving her until I bring her back home," he told ACM's Bega District News. "Mum's an amazing human, mate. She's a volunteer surf life saver and helps every year with the Pambula same wave program." "She's been a surf lifesaver since 17. She was one of the first female life rescue radio operators. "I just have to get there," Mr Reid stressed. He said it had been difficult to communicate due to the difference in time zones and the language barrier. However, he had spoken with the embassy over there numerous times and they had helped. Narelle and her sister Pam were originally going to the United Kingdom for a family wedding, but had decided to go via Greece when the unfortunate incident happened. Due to a health insurance dispute with Narelle's bank, Aaron was looking to an ombudsman. "They denied the insurance. She thought she was covered for the ATV, and they've denied it all. We have the reports for it all," he said. "It went from bad to worse. It's been frustrating for everyone involved." Tracy Wallis, a friend of Narelle's from Yellow Pinch, organised a GoFundMe to raise donations to help bring her home to the Far South Coast. "She's pretty down," Ms Wallis said, as she described her friend's spirits. "She had her insurance. She rang them and asked them before she went on the quad bike if she needed extra cover, as she's a very cross-the-T's and dot-the-I's type of person," she said. "They told her no. She accepted that the insurance she had would be ok. "Since she had the [incident] they are refusing to cover her because she didn't have the extra cover." Those wishing to donate can find the fundraiser here. An injured Australian resident lies alone in a Greek public hospital with no privacy, a language barrier, unclothed, with just a sheet across her. Narelle Massey was on an overseas holiday and had been enjoying an ATV ride with her sister when the unthinkable occurred, which resulted in numerous injuries. Narelle, from Merimbula in NSW, sustained a punctured lung, splenic hematoma, fractured spine, broken ribs and a broken pelvis. The woman was airlifted from Naxos, a Greek island in the South Aegea, to Athens for treatment. But her son Aaron Reid said the experience had been terrible. Aaron was standing at the Sydney International Airport on July 10, with a wheelchair among his luggage, prepared to fly to see his mum and arrange plans to bring her home. "I won't be leaving her until I bring her back home," he told ACM's Bega District News. "Mum's an amazing human, mate. She's a volunteer surf life saver and helps every year with the Pambula same wave program." "She's been a surf lifesaver since 17. She was one of the first female life rescue radio operators. "I just have to get there," Mr Reid stressed. He said it had been difficult to communicate due to the difference in time zones and the language barrier. However, he had spoken with the embassy over there numerous times and they had helped. Narelle and her sister Pam were originally going to the United Kingdom for a family wedding, but had decided to go via Greece when the unfortunate incident happened. Due to a health insurance dispute with Narelle's bank, Aaron was looking to an ombudsman. "They denied the insurance. She thought she was covered for the ATV, and they've denied it all. We have the reports for it all," he said. "It went from bad to worse. It's been frustrating for everyone involved." Tracy Wallis, a friend of Narelle's from Yellow Pinch, organised a GoFundMe to raise donations to help bring her home to the Far South Coast. "She's pretty down," Ms Wallis said, as she described her friend's spirits. "She had her insurance. She rang them and asked them before she went on the quad bike if she needed extra cover, as she's a very cross-the-T's and dot-the-I's type of person," she said. "They told her no. She accepted that the insurance she had would be ok. "Since she had the [incident] they are refusing to cover her because she didn't have the extra cover." Those wishing to donate can find the fundraiser here. An injured Australian resident lies alone in a Greek public hospital with no privacy, a language barrier, unclothed, with just a sheet across her. Narelle Massey was on an overseas holiday and had been enjoying an ATV ride with her sister when the unthinkable occurred, which resulted in numerous injuries. Narelle, from Merimbula in NSW, sustained a punctured lung, splenic hematoma, fractured spine, broken ribs and a broken pelvis. The woman was airlifted from Naxos, a Greek island in the South Aegea, to Athens for treatment. But her son Aaron Reid said the experience had been terrible. Aaron was standing at the Sydney International Airport on July 10, with a wheelchair among his luggage, prepared to fly to see his mum and arrange plans to bring her home. "I won't be leaving her until I bring her back home," he told ACM's Bega District News. "Mum's an amazing human, mate. She's a volunteer surf life saver and helps every year with the Pambula same wave program." "She's been a surf lifesaver since 17. She was one of the first female life rescue radio operators. "I just have to get there," Mr Reid stressed. He said it had been difficult to communicate due to the difference in time zones and the language barrier. However, he had spoken with the embassy over there numerous times and they had helped. Narelle and her sister Pam were originally going to the United Kingdom for a family wedding, but had decided to go via Greece when the unfortunate incident happened. Due to a health insurance dispute with Narelle's bank, Aaron was looking to an ombudsman. "They denied the insurance. She thought she was covered for the ATV, and they've denied it all. We have the reports for it all," he said. "It went from bad to worse. It's been frustrating for everyone involved." Tracy Wallis, a friend of Narelle's from Yellow Pinch, organised a GoFundMe to raise donations to help bring her home to the Far South Coast. "She's pretty down," Ms Wallis said, as she described her friend's spirits. "She had her insurance. She rang them and asked them before she went on the quad bike if she needed extra cover, as she's a very cross-the-T's and dot-the-I's type of person," she said. "They told her no. She accepted that the insurance she had would be ok. "Since she had the [incident] they are refusing to cover her because she didn't have the extra cover." Those wishing to donate can find the fundraiser here.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Time of India
'Chinese blessing scam': Two arrested in Australia for scamming elderly Asian women; rob them of cash, jewellery
Representative image credits: NSW police force Two people were arrested in Australia in connection with a 'Chinese blessing scam' that defrauded a 77-year-old woman in Sydney out of cash and jewellery worth 130,000 Australian dollars (about $85,000 USD). These arrests come amid a broader investigation into a wave of similar scams, which have been reported globally for the past 25 years in countries including the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand. A 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Thursday following an in-depth investigation by Strike Force Sentinel, a special unit formed in April to investigate the scam. The following day, her alleged accomplice, also 63, was taken into custody at Brisbane Airport as he attempted to board a flight to China. Authorities say he is likely to face charges soon. These scams commonly target elderly Asian women. Victims are typically led to someone posing as a spiritual healer, who instructs them to place their money and valuables into a bag. They are then told not to open the bag for several weeks or even months. When they finally do, they find the contents missing. 'It's a robbery by stealth. These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian, older females. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cervecería Nacional CFD: Calcula cuánto podrías ganar invirtiendo solo $100 Empieza a invertir hoy Empieza ahora Undo by Taboola by Taboola They swarm like a pack of hyenas,' reported CNN quoting New South Wales police detective superintendent Guy Magee. Strike force sentinel has received around 80 reports involving the alleged theft of 3 million Australian dollars ($2 million USD). Police believe about 50 people are involved in the scam network, with 25 identified by name and 11 arrest warrants issued so far. Surveillance footage has also captured 25 other suspects taking part. Magee noted that the crime is likely 'profoundly underreported,' with many victims feeling embarrassed or ashamed. He believes the real number of cases could be double the current estimates. A similar case occurred in New Zealand last year, where three Chinese nationals were arrested while trying to leave the country. Police said they arrived in October and, within days, targeted elderly victims, stealing around 30,000 New Zealand dollars ($18,000 USD) in cash and jewellery. NSW Police are urging community members to be cautious of strangers asking for directions to herbal doctors or spiritual healers, and advised people not to bring strangers home, not to hand over valuables, and never to participate in any ritual involving the 'blessing' of money or jewellery.
The Advertiser
04-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Elderly women tricked by 'blessing ritual', scammed out of millions of dollars
Detectives investigating a multi-million-dollar spiritual blessing scam have arrested an alleged con artist who was attempting to return to the country. The 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney International Airport at 7.15pm on July 3 for her alleged involvement in a plot to steal money and jewellery from a 77-year-old woman in June. Police allege she was returning to Australia to "further offend". A 63-year-old man was arrested at Brisbane airport, allegedly attempting to fly to China, at 8am on July 4. "NSW Police will seek his extradition on Monday," police said. The arrests were part of an investigation into a Chinese blessing scam. "Alleged offenders - generally targeting elderly Chinese women - exploit their cultural fears," police said. Victims are told that their families are at risk from spirits and "need to have their wealth blessed to protect them from curse or illness", police said. Scammers pretend to bless bags full of cash and valuables, while swapping them out for items of no value. They encourage the victims not to open the bags for an extended period, police said. There have been more than 80 reports, with $3 million in cash and valuables stolen, from victims in Sydney including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta and Hornsby. The 63-year-old woman was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage - by deception, participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity and demanding property in company with menaces with intent to steal. She was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on July 4. Police warned the community to be alert to scams seeking access to money and valuables, or people asking for directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer. Anyone who may have been victim of a 'blessing scam' is urged to make a report to police. All reports are managed in a confidential manner and police use tools such as Language + App for a more effective communication with non-English speaking victims. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is treated in strict confidence. Detectives investigating a multi-million-dollar spiritual blessing scam have arrested an alleged con artist who was attempting to return to the country. The 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney International Airport at 7.15pm on July 3 for her alleged involvement in a plot to steal money and jewellery from a 77-year-old woman in June. Police allege she was returning to Australia to "further offend". A 63-year-old man was arrested at Brisbane airport, allegedly attempting to fly to China, at 8am on July 4. "NSW Police will seek his extradition on Monday," police said. The arrests were part of an investigation into a Chinese blessing scam. "Alleged offenders - generally targeting elderly Chinese women - exploit their cultural fears," police said. Victims are told that their families are at risk from spirits and "need to have their wealth blessed to protect them from curse or illness", police said. Scammers pretend to bless bags full of cash and valuables, while swapping them out for items of no value. They encourage the victims not to open the bags for an extended period, police said. There have been more than 80 reports, with $3 million in cash and valuables stolen, from victims in Sydney including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta and Hornsby. The 63-year-old woman was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage - by deception, participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity and demanding property in company with menaces with intent to steal. She was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on July 4. Police warned the community to be alert to scams seeking access to money and valuables, or people asking for directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer. Anyone who may have been victim of a 'blessing scam' is urged to make a report to police. All reports are managed in a confidential manner and police use tools such as Language + App for a more effective communication with non-English speaking victims. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is treated in strict confidence. Detectives investigating a multi-million-dollar spiritual blessing scam have arrested an alleged con artist who was attempting to return to the country. The 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney International Airport at 7.15pm on July 3 for her alleged involvement in a plot to steal money and jewellery from a 77-year-old woman in June. Police allege she was returning to Australia to "further offend". A 63-year-old man was arrested at Brisbane airport, allegedly attempting to fly to China, at 8am on July 4. "NSW Police will seek his extradition on Monday," police said. The arrests were part of an investigation into a Chinese blessing scam. "Alleged offenders - generally targeting elderly Chinese women - exploit their cultural fears," police said. Victims are told that their families are at risk from spirits and "need to have their wealth blessed to protect them from curse or illness", police said. Scammers pretend to bless bags full of cash and valuables, while swapping them out for items of no value. They encourage the victims not to open the bags for an extended period, police said. There have been more than 80 reports, with $3 million in cash and valuables stolen, from victims in Sydney including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta and Hornsby. The 63-year-old woman was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage - by deception, participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity and demanding property in company with menaces with intent to steal. She was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on July 4. Police warned the community to be alert to scams seeking access to money and valuables, or people asking for directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer. Anyone who may have been victim of a 'blessing scam' is urged to make a report to police. All reports are managed in a confidential manner and police use tools such as Language + App for a more effective communication with non-English speaking victims. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is treated in strict confidence. Detectives investigating a multi-million-dollar spiritual blessing scam have arrested an alleged con artist who was attempting to return to the country. The 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney International Airport at 7.15pm on July 3 for her alleged involvement in a plot to steal money and jewellery from a 77-year-old woman in June. Police allege she was returning to Australia to "further offend". A 63-year-old man was arrested at Brisbane airport, allegedly attempting to fly to China, at 8am on July 4. "NSW Police will seek his extradition on Monday," police said. The arrests were part of an investigation into a Chinese blessing scam. "Alleged offenders - generally targeting elderly Chinese women - exploit their cultural fears," police said. Victims are told that their families are at risk from spirits and "need to have their wealth blessed to protect them from curse or illness", police said. Scammers pretend to bless bags full of cash and valuables, while swapping them out for items of no value. They encourage the victims not to open the bags for an extended period, police said. There have been more than 80 reports, with $3 million in cash and valuables stolen, from victims in Sydney including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta and Hornsby. The 63-year-old woman was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage - by deception, participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity and demanding property in company with menaces with intent to steal. She was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on July 4. Police warned the community to be alert to scams seeking access to money and valuables, or people asking for directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer. Anyone who may have been victim of a 'blessing scam' is urged to make a report to police. All reports are managed in a confidential manner and police use tools such as Language + App for a more effective communication with non-English speaking victims. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is treated in strict confidence.
Malaysiakini
04-07-2025
- Malaysiakini
Sydney cops issue warning on blessing scams targeting Asian community
Sydney police have issued a warning over spiritual blessing scams deliberately targeting the city's Asian community following an arrest on Thursday, reported Xinhua. The police force in the Australian state of New South Wales said on Friday that a strike force established in April to investigate spiritual blessing scams carried out across Sydney since July 2023 arrested a 63-year-old woman at the Sydney International Airport on Thursday.
The Star
04-07-2025
- The Star
Sydney police issue warning over blessing scams targeting Asian community
SYDNEY: Sydney police have issued a warning over spiritual blessing scams deliberately targeting the city's Asian community following an arrest on Thursday (July 3), reported Xinhua. The police force in the Australian state of New South Wales said on Friday that a strike force established in April to investigate spiritual blessing scams carried out across Sydney since July 2023 arrested a 63-year-old woman at the Sydney International Airport on Thursday. The woman has been charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contributing to criminal activity and demanding property with intent to steal. It will be alleged in court that she was involved in defrauding a 77-year-old woman of a large sum of money and jewellery in June. Police said that there have been over 80 reported incidents of such scams being carried out across Sydney since 2023, with over A$3 million (US$1.9 million) in cash and valuables stolen. The scams generally target elderly Chinese women, who were convinced by offenders that their families are at risk from spirits and must have their wealth blessed to protect them from curses or illness. Once perpetrators have a victim's money and valuables, the items are swapped with items of no value, which are then handed to the victims in a bag that they are encouraged not to open for an extended time. Police advised the Sydney community to beware of strangers seeking access to money and valuables, not to bring strangers into their homes and not to put money or valuables into a bag for any blessing ritual. - Bernama-Xinhua
