A Chinese national’s brazen attempt to swindle $98,000 from a New York woman by impersonating a U.S. Marshal ended in his arrest and subsequent immigration detention.
Key Takeaways
- Liqing Chi, 29, was arrested in Flushing, NY after attempting to scam a woman out of $98,000 by posing as a U.S. Marshal
- The victim reported the scam to authorities, leading to a successful sting operation and Chi’s arrest
- After being arraigned and released on grand larceny charges, Chi was immediately detained by Homeland Security for alleged immigration violations
- Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation, highlighting the seriousness of impersonating federal officers
- Authorities emphasize that legitimate law enforcement never demands money over the phone
Foreign National’s Elaborate Scam Thwarted
Liqing Chi, a 29-year-old Chinese national, now faces serious legal consequences after attempting to defraud a St. Lawrence County woman of nearly $100,000 by impersonating a U.S. Marshal. The scheme involved multiple phone calls to the victim, falsely claiming she owed money to U.S. Marshals and demanding immediate payment. This type of government impersonation scam has become increasingly common across America, but Chi’s scheme was particularly audacious as he attempted to collect the money in person rather than through wire transfers or gift cards.
Chi’s deception unraveled when the targeted woman grew suspicious and contacted the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office about the calls. Recognizing the hallmarks of a scam, sheriff’s detectives devised a sting operation to catch the perpetrator. They arranged for the victim to set up a meeting with Chi at a business in Canton, New York, where he expected to collect a substantial sum of money. When Chi arrived at the meeting point in Flushing, detectives were waiting and immediately took him into custody.
Charges Filed and Immigration Status Questioned
Following his arrest, Chi was charged with attempted grand larceny, a felony offense in New York State. The severity of the charge reflects the substantial amount of money involved – $98,000 according to multiple reports. Chi was subsequently arraigned in Canton Town Court where, surprisingly to many observers, he was released on his own recognizance without bail. This release proved extremely brief, however, as federal authorities were already taking an interest in his case.
Immediately after his release from local custody, Chi was apprehended by agents from Homeland Security Investigations for alleged immigration violations. This swift federal response raises questions about Chi’s legal status in the United States and suggests possible additional federal charges could be forthcoming. The case highlights President Trump’s ongoing concerns about inadequate vetting of foreign nationals entering the country and the potential for criminal activity among those with questionable immigration status.
Multi-Agency Effort Demonstrates Law Enforcement Coordination
The successful investigation and arrest of Chi involved remarkable coordination between numerous law enforcement agencies. The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation with assistance from the St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Canton Police Department, Ogdensburg Police Department, New York State Police, St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office Investigation Unit, United States Border Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigations. This collaborative approach demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities view crimes involving impersonation of federal officers.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that government agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, never demand payment over the phone. This case serves as a stark reminder for citizens to remain vigilant against phone scams, particularly those involving threats or demands for immediate payment. The swift action by the St. Lawrence County woman in reporting the suspicious calls to authorities likely prevented not only her own financial loss but potentially protected other potential victims from falling prey to the same scheme.
