Federal authorities have charged Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu, also known as “Fatty” or “Ah Pang,” in connection with a fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across the United States. The scheme attempted to steal more than $18 million from over 350 people and resulted in actual losses of over $5 million to at least 70 victims. 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 will be heard by 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 were part of a group that targeted elderly individuals nationwide—including those in states such as 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 operation typically began when victims encountered pop-up messages on their computers claiming an urgent need for action from what appeared to be technology companies or government agencies. Victims who called provided numbers were told fabricated stories about computer viruses or compromised bank accounts linked with serious crimes or unauthorized withdrawals.
Victims were then instructed either to withdraw large sums from their bank accounts or purchase gold under false pretenses—sometimes being told that their assets would be safely held by agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Some received fake government notices on forged letterhead purporting official signatures.
Couriers would then collect cash or gold directly from victims’ homes or other locations using details provided by Jiang or Liu through text messaging platforms—details included zip codes as well as amounts involved in each transaction. In some cases couriers used passwords given by scammers for added credibility; others directed victims instead toward cryptocurrency transfers or gift card purchases.
Once collected by couriers managed by Jiang or Liu in New York City—the funds were distributed among other conspirators domestically or converted into cryptocurrency for transmission overseas including destinations such as India or China.
Authorities estimate that members attempted thefts totaling approximately $18 million affecting more than 350 people nationwide; at least $5 million was successfully stolen from over 70 individuals.
Jiang (age 37) from Staten Island faces one count each of wire fraud conspiracy (maximum sentence: 20 years) as well as conspiracy related to interstate transportation of stolen property (maximum sentence: five years). Liu (age 38) is from Edmond Oklahoma.
Officials emphasize that all charges are allegations until proven otherwise; sentences will ultimately be determined by judicial discretion according to Congressional guidelines.
U.S Attorney Jay Clayton commended investigative efforts led jointly by the FBI’s New York Field Office Organized Crime Task Force alongside NYPD partners—with additional support from state police agencies including Bedford Police Department—and noted prosecution will proceed under his office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit overseen by Assistant U.S Attorneys Andrew K Chan & Angela Zhu.
Those who believe they may have been affected are encouraged to file complaints through https://ic3.gov/.
