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Accused scammer charged in alleged $150,000 NSW shopping centre sting

A man accused of being part of a Romanian gang scamming elderly women has faced court in Sydney after being extradited from Western Australia.

Vasile Bombonel, 38, was allegedly part of a group of people that targeted elderly women at shopping centres across New South Wales

As part of the scam, one person from the group would allegedly approach an elderly person, claiming they'd dropped cash or their wallet.

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The man offered a thumbs-up sign to a camera at Sydney Airport.

When the elderly person opened their wallet to check, a second person from the group would allegedly steal their bank cards, which were then used in fraudulent purchases.

It is believed 39 people between the ages of 70 and 100 have been targeted in several Sydney suburbs, as well as on the state's South Coast and in Grafton, in New South Wales' north.

Queensland Police arrested three other Romanians who are accused of being part of the same gang two weeks ago.

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The 38-year-old also appeared to be clapping sarcastically.

Bombonel was arrested at Perth Airport on April 8.

He appeared before a Western Australia court and was later extradited to Sydney, where he was escorted through the Qantas terminal by police.

As he made his way through the terminal, the man was captured giving a thumbs-up sign to cameras, as well as appearing to offer sarcastic applause.

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The man has been hit with 18 charges.

He also waved to the cameras as he was put in the back of a police car.

The man has now been charged with 18 offences, including six counts of stealing from the person with a value less than or equal to $2000, and stealing from the person more than $2000 and less than or equal to $5000.

He was refused bail this afternoon in a Sydney court and will remain behind bars.

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