A Chinese national masquerading as a U.S. Marshal to extort $98,000 from an American woman was caught in an elaborate sting operation, exposing yet another foreign national exploiting America’s vulnerable immigration system.
Key Takeaways
- Liqing Chi, a 29-year-old Chinese national, was arrested for impersonating a U.S. Marshal in an attempt to scam a woman out of $98,000 in New York
- The victim alerted authorities to the scam, leading to a successful sting operation in Flushing, New York
- Despite being released after arraignment, Chi was quickly re-detained by Homeland Security Investigations for immigration violations
- Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation, highlighting the growing threat of foreign nationals conducting financial scams
Chinese National’s Brazen Impersonation Scheme
Liqing Chi, a 29-year-old Chinese national, has been arrested in Flushing, New York, for attempting to defraud an American woman by posing as a U.S. Marshal. The scam involved a series of phone calls to the victim falsely claiming she owed money to U.S. Marshals, with Chi allegedly attempting to extort $98,000 from the woman. The scheme represents a disturbing example of foreign nationals exploiting America’s legal and immigration systems to target U.S. citizens. The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chi following a fraud investigation that uncovered his elaborate plot to impersonate a federal law enforcement officer.
Chi faces charges of attempted grand larceny, a felony that carries significant penalties under New York state law. The audacity of impersonating federal law enforcement to conduct financial fraud demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated methods being employed by scammers. This case also raises serious questions about how foreign nationals with potentially questionable immigration status are able to operate criminal enterprises within American borders. Law enforcement officials continue to warn the public that genuine U.S. Marshals and other federal agencies never demand money over the phone.
Vigilant Victim Helps Authorities Catch Scammer
The attempted scam was thwarted thanks to the vigilance of the targeted woman, who recognized the suspicious nature of the calls and promptly reported them to the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. Upon receiving the report, the sheriff’s office devised a sting operation, arranging a meeting with Chi at a business in Canton where he expected to collect the fraudulent payment. This quick-thinking collaboration between the victim and law enforcement resulted in Chi’s immediate apprehension. The case highlights the critical importance of public awareness about scam tactics and the value of reporting suspicious activities to authorities without delay.
Following his arrest, Chi was arraigned in Canton Town Court and initially released on his own recognizance, a troubling outcome given the serious nature of the charges. This release, mandated by New York’s controversial bail reform laws that continue to put communities at risk, proved short-lived. Homeland Security Investigations quickly stepped in and detained Chi for alleged immigration violations, suggesting he may have been in the country illegally or had violated the terms of his visa. The immediate involvement of federal immigration authorities underscores the multi-layered threat posed by this case.
Multi-Agency Response Highlights Security Concerns
The investigation into Chi’s criminal activities involved an impressive coalition of law enforcement agencies, demonstrating the seriousness with which authorities view such impersonation and fraud schemes. 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 all participated in the case. This extensive collaboration reflects growing concerns about foreign nationals conducting criminal operations on American soil and the potential national security implications of such activities.
The swift transfer of Chi to federal immigration custody raises questions about the extent of foreign national involvement in organized scam operations targeting Americans. President Trump has consistently warned about the dangers of lax immigration enforcement and the potential for foreign actors to exploit vulnerabilities in our systems. This case provides a concrete example of those concerns, as a Chinese national allegedly attempted to steal nearly $100,000 by exploiting Americans’ respect for law enforcement. The incident adds further evidence to support stronger border security and immigration enforcement to protect American citizens from foreign criminal elements.
