Prosecutors uncover a shocking extortion scheme in Orange County, where criminals impersonating law enforcement conducted a fake raid to steal valuables and intimidate residents.
At a Glance
- Four ex-law enforcement and military officers accused of staging a fake raid.
- The raid tricked a victim into signing over business rights worth tens of millions.
- Involvement of Jiangsu Sinorgchem Technology Co. Ltd. in a legal dispute.
- Charges include extortion, conspiracy against rights, and deprivation of rights under the color of law.
Complex Fake Raid Uncovered
Prosecutors have detailed a complex extortion scheme where four ex-law enforcement and military officers staged a fake raid at a home in Orange County. The fake raid took place in 2019 and involved coercing the resident into signing away his rights in a business valued at tens of millions. This elaborate setup aimed to exploit trust and instill fear for financial gain.
The business in question is Jiangsu Sinorgchem Technology Co. Ltd., a China-based rubber chemical manufacturer. The victim was in a legal dispute with a wealthy Chinese national over this company. Eventually, it came to light that the Chinese national was the mastermind behind the fake raid.
Key Individuals and Charges
Max Samuel Bennett Turbett, a U.K. citizen and former British military member, along with Steven Arthur Lankford, Glen Louis Cozart, and Matthew Phillip Hart, face multiple charges. These include conspiracy to commit extortion, attempted extortion, conspiracy against rights, and deprivation of rights under the color of law. Turbett had been contacted by the Chinese national in 2018 to recover assets from the victim.
Turbett hired Cozart, who then brought Lankford into the scheme. Lankford used the National Crime Information Center database to gather information about the victim. The group meticulously planned the raid and executed it on June 17, 2019.
Execution of the Scheme
On the day of the raid, Lankford drove an unmarked department car to the victim’s home. Lankford and Cozart identified themselves as a police officer and an immigration officer. Once inside, they forced the victim and his family into one room, confiscated their phones, and blocked them from leaving for hours. The victim endured physical assault and threats of deportation unless he signed the settlement papers.
The victim, fearing for his family’s safety, chose to comply. The perpetrators made fake settlement agreements to transfer nearly $37 million in cash and company shares to the Chinese national. After the raid, the victim reported the incident to the Irvine Police Department.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for this sinister plot. The case has shed light on the alarming lengths to which criminals will go to exploit trust for financial gain. Lankford lied to investigators, asserting that the visit was for legitimate law enforcement purposes. However, by November 2019, the men had been paid for their roles, with Turbett’s company receiving close to $420,000.
“The goal was to get this person to sign a contract to give away his business rights. That’s what he ended up doing, but he did it by force, intimidation, and extortion,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada.
Potential penalties for the charges include up to 20 years in federal prison for extortion-related counts and up to 10 years for deprivation of rights-related counts. The justice system’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the enduring need for vigilance and accountability in our communities.
Prosecutors continue their efforts to bring those responsible to justice, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and community trust is restored.
