Local police have announced that a 24-year-old Chinese citizen, holding a tourist visa (B1 visa), has been arrested in Michigan. The individual is suspected to be linked to multiple fraud cases across the United States, with the total amount involved in the scams exceeding $1 million.
On Monday, the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office stated that an investigation was launched in June after a local elderly resident reported being defrauded of nearly $500,000. The victim had received a phone call in May from someone claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission, inquiring about their online shopping activities.
When the victim answered negatively, the caller claimed that they were a victim of identity theft and had access to personal information about them and their family. The caller further threatened that if the victim did not cease this behavior, thieves might steal their child’s identity.
Subsequently, the suspect instructed the victim to withdraw money from their retirement and savings accounts and hand it over to their supposed security ‘couriers’, promising to return the funds with interest.
Prior to contacting the authorities, the victim had already paid the suspect tens of thousands of dollars through wire transfers and checks. On two occasions, ‘couriers’ had collected $237,000 worth of gold coins from the victim’s residence. The victim mentioned that the suspect was still in contact and planned to pick up $60,000 in cash on June 18.
Detectives set up a surveillance operation at the victim’s residence during the scheduled pick-up, with unmanned drones monitoring the premises. Around 5 p.m. on June 18, a male suspect arrived to collect the money and was promptly arrested.
The suspect has been identified by authorities as 24-year-old Chinese citizen Xiangbo Sun, holding a tourist visa in the United States.
A Lyft driver who was waiting for the suspect to get into the car nearby mentioned that he had driven Sun from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Allegan County. The original plan was to then transport Sun to Great Rapids Airport.
Sun informed the police that he was contacted to pick up $60,000, promised a small commission, and then fly from Great Rapids to New York.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, records and phone data indicate that Sun is linked to nationwide fraud cases involving over $1 million in gold and cash.
Officers have confirmed the dates, times, and locations of these fraudulent activities and have been in touch with local law enforcement agencies.
Sun is currently being held in Allegan County Jail on charges of stealing $50,000 to $100,000 through fraudulent means. While other suspects have been identified, their names are not being disclosed at this time.