Sydney -The Australian Police revealed that a number of Chinese students in Sydney were victims of extortion fraud which was described as a virtual abduction. In this case, Chinese students were forced to take pictures and record themselves bound and blindfolded as if they were kidnapped.
As reported by the Associated Press , Tuesday (07/28/2020), Chief of Police Detective of the state of New South Wales, Inspector Darren Bennett, said that at least eight students fell victim to the fraud this year.
Bennett mentioned that criminal syndicates were able to reap AUS $ 3.2 million or equivalent to Rp 33 billion from this kind of extortion fraud.
In this case, students are usually contacted by someone who is fluent in Mandarin who claims to be someone in authority in China, such as an embassy official, police officer or tax official. The students were told that they risk being deported or arrested unless their families pay a ransom.
The students were forced to send pictures of themselves tied up and gagged. They were also forced to move to a hotel and cut off all communication.
"Our message today for everyone is, if you receive a phone call that encourages you to deposit money into a bank account by someone who pretends to have a position of authority in China or another location, don't pay, it's best to hang up, call the police , or contact the university or education facility for advice and counseling, "explained Bennett.
The Assistant Commissioner of the New South Wales Police, Peter Thurtell, emphasized that the Chinese authorities had confirmed the Chinese Police that under any circumstances, it was not possible for a Chinese government official to contact a student abroad to ask for money.
This kind of deceptive practice is increasing as Australia and China have deteriorated relations on several issues, including Australia's call for an independent investigation of the origins of the Corona virus (COVID-19) and an international response to the global pandemic triggered by the virus.
China, which is the biggest source of foreign students at Australian universities, has warned students and tourists in the country that they risk becoming victims of increased racism in Australia because of the Corona pandemic.
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