Buddhist robbed of thousands by ‘spiritual healer’

A CHINESE Buddhist woman has been conned out of valuables and cash by a “spiritual healer” who offered to bless her belongings.

The 64-year-old handed over jewellery and money in a bag to be blessed and was told not to open it for a few weeks so the charm could take effect.

But when she opened the bag a few days later, she discovered her belongings had been taken.

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The theft took place last Tuesday after two other Chinese women approached her in the St James Centre and offered the chance to meet a spiritual healer at the Balmoral Hotel later that day.

When she arrived for the meeting, a third Chinese woman offered to bless her family’s valuables and cash.

The Buddhist woman went home and put jewellery and money in a red bag before meeting all three women at the corner of West Register Street, where the theft took place.

Police are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

Constable Kris Harvey said: “The victim has been specifically targeted because of her ethnicity and faith, having been led to believe her valuables were blessed to bring her family good luck.

“She has subsequently been robbed of several thousand pounds of cash and jewellery and has been left devastated as a result.

“All of the females who approached the woman are believed to be involved in this fraud and local enquiries are underway to trace them.

“Anyone who can assist officers with their investigation is asked to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

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