‘Spiritual guide’ allegedly took $150k in jewellery from woman in prayer scam in Sydney’s CBD

A woman allegedly had $150,000 worth of jewellery taken by a man claiming to be a spiritual guide in a prayer scam in the heart of Sydney.

A 47-year-old woman was taking her lunch break in Darling Harbour on January 9 when she was approached by an unknown man who claimed to be a spiritual guide.

The man offered to perform a blessing on her after they struck up a conversation.

He later met the woman again and asked her to provide jewellery as part of the blessing ritual.

He allegedly placed a coconut on the jewellery and then replaced the jewellery with empty boxes and other items while she held his gaze.

She later reported the incident to police when she realised her jewellery was gone.

A 25-year-old man was arrested near Darling Harbour on Wednesday following an investigation.

Items of jewellery allegedly belonging to the woman were then found during a police search of an Elizabeth St hostel.

The man was charged with dishonestly obtaining property by deception.

He was granted conditional bail and is set to front Blacktown Local Court on February 10.