Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
Federal authorities have charged Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu, also known as “Fatty” and “Ah Pang,” in connection with a fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across the United States. The announcement was made by Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the NYPD.
Jiang was arrested in Staten Island and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. Liu remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.
“As alleged, Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu worked together with others to steal the hard-earned money of some our most vulnerable New Yorkers and others around the country,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Taking advantage of our elderly after they have worked so hard to save and contributed so much to our city and this country is heartless and despicable. These charges, and the efforts of the FBI and the NYPD, should serve as a warning to fraudsters and cybercriminals: New Yorkers want you held accountable for your crimes, and the women and men of our Office are committed to doing so.”
“Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu allegedly defrauded elderly victims of more than $5 million by utilizing extortionate tactics to coerce withdrawals of significant cash or purchases of gold,” said FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia. “This alleged conspiracy wielded fear of bankruptcy and arrest to ensure victims complied with the unlawful requests for money. The FBI is committed to apprehending any individual who utilizes online platforms to target and exploit vulnerable victims across the country.”
“These defendants allegedly led a nationwide fraud scheme with the goal of targeting innocent, elderly victims and stealing millions of their hard-earned savings,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu allegedly participated in a plot involving elaborate, fictitious narratives to manipulate elderly victims and trick them into participating in their scheme, which involved attempts to steal over $18 million from 350 people. I am grateful to the members of the NYPD, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for holding these alleged predatory fraudsters accountable.”
According to court documents unsealed in Manhattan federal court, between 2023 and July 2025 Jiang and Liu took part in a fraudulent operation that focused on elderly individuals throughout multiple states including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, California, Connecticut, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, Utah, Oregon, Colorado,and Montana.
The scam typically began when victims saw pop-up messages on their computers urging them to call phone numbers controlled by those running the scheme.The messages claimed affiliation with technology companies,banks or government agencies.Once contacted,victims were told fabricated stories suggesting their computers had viruses or had been used for criminal activity,such as downloading illegal material.Others were told their bank accounts were compromised.Victims were instructed,to avoid arrest or protect assets,to withdraw large sums from banks or buy gold.Some received fake notices purporting from agencies like the Federal Trade Commission.
Victims were then directed that couriers would collect cash or gold,often providing details such as names,passwords,and descriptions.Couriers would pick up valuables under false pretenses.Other times,victims transferred cryptocurrency or gift cards.Funds were never returned;some individuals lost money through repeated transactions before realizing it was fraudulent.
Jiang and Liu allegedly managed couriers who collected cash or gold from victims,and coordinated these collections using information shared via text-messaging platforms.They organized pickups based on zip codes provided by other group members.After collecting proceeds,JiangandLiu arranged for distribution among conspirators—including converting funds into cryptocurrency sent overseas,to places such as IndiaandChina.In total,the group attempted thefts totaling about $18 million from over 350 people,resulting in actual losses exceeding $5 million from more than 70 individuals.
Authorities urge anyone affected by similar schemes to file complaints through https://www.ic3.gov .
Both defendants face charges including wire fraud conspiracy—which carries up toa20-year maximum prison sentence—and conspiracyto commit interstate transportationof stolen property,capped at five years.The ultimate sentences will be determined by judicial discretion.
U.S.AttorneyClayton commendedthe workof law enforcement partners includingtheFBI,NYPD’s Joint Organized Crime Task Force,theNewYork State Police,and Bedford Police Department.Assistant U.S.Attorneys Andrew K.Chanand Angela Zhuare prosecutingthecase.The indictment consists onlyof allegations;defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
