Melbourne (TAN): The local authorities have charged seven elderly international tourists for pretending to be homeless and begging for money here.
According to media reports, police said they are thought to be part of a larger gang that collected money and sent it overseas. Of the seven, six are Chinese citizens.
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“They’re not vulnerable people. They’ve got access to housing and they’re just taking advantage and deceiving the good people of Melbourne,” acting inspector Giovanni Travaglini said.
The police have found AUD 1,000 on them and receipts showing AUD had been converted to Chinese currency.
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Begging is illegal in the state of Victoria.