U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a warning to New York residents following the arrests of two Chinese nationals accused of defrauding elderly individuals. These arrests are part of a series of incidents over the past nine months involving illegal activities targeting vulnerable community members.
On July 8, ICE officers apprehended Jian Chen after he was arrested locally for felony grand larceny. Chen is accused of defrauding a 63-year-old retired woman out of $42,000 through fraud and misrepresentation. He allegedly attempted to obtain an additional $98,000 from the same victim and planned to meet her in Potsdam. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Massena office agents arrested him with assistance from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers.
In another case on May 29, ICE officers arrested Rihui Yan, who was taken into custody by HSI Massena after attempting to defraud an elderly couple out of $20,000. Yan is also wanted in Wyoming County for a similar crime.
Both individuals are currently held in ICE custody without bond as they await removal proceedings.
Joseph Freden, Deputy Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, stated: “It takes a real dirtbag to prey on our most vulnerable community members by attempting to swindle them out of their hard-earned savings.”
Erin Keegan, HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge, added: “This HSI Massena investigation underscores HSI’s commitment to disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations and groups intent on exploiting our vulnerable communities.”
Earlier incidents include the arrest of Hui Chen on October 24, 2024. Following a tip from the Ticonderoga Police Department, Hui Chen was charged with grand larceny and conspiracy for attempting to defraud another elderly resident out of approximately $40,000.
ICE has established the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE) to support victims affected by crimes linked to immigration violations. The VOICE Office provides resources but is not a tip line; however, ICE accepts tips related to immigration and criminal violations.
More information about ERO Buffalo's mission can be found on X at @EROBuffalo.
