A 56-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault in relation to an alleged “cleansing ritual” scam.

On August 5, Burnaby RCMP responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred earlier that day in Burnaby. The 29-year-old female victim alleged that a suspect approached her at Crystal Mall in Burnaby and told her he was a Taoist Master and Chinese medicine practitioner who could perform a ritual to improve her health and life.

The victim and the suspect drove to another location where the suspect proceeded with a so-called “cleansing ritual”, which allegedly led to the victim being touched inappropriately.

On August 22, Tianjin Gong, 56, was arrested at a mall in Richmond.

On August 23, one charge of sexual assault was approved by the BC Prosecution Service.

Gong was released from custody with a court date and strict conditions, including not to contact the victim and not to leave the province. There is a publication ban under section 486.4 of the Criminal Code, covering the identity of the alleged victim.

“We want the public to be aware of this scam to prevent further victims,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with the Burnaby RCMP. “We would encourage anyone who has information to contact our investigators.”

Police are asking anyone who may have had contact with the accused to contact investigators at 604-646-9999 and quote 2024-26628.