Related Federal Cases
- Seng Xiong Convicted in $5K Hmong Elder Fraud Scheme · Minnesota
- James Leads Push for Senate KOSA Bill Over House Version · New Mexico
- James Blocks $10B Cut to Childcare & Support Programs · Minnesota
- James Blocks Trump’s Social Services Cuts · Washington
- James Leads Charge to Shield Haitian Immigrants from Deportation · Washington
Hmong Elder Defrauder Convicted
A 49-year-old Maplewood man has been convicted of defrauding Hmong elders out of thousands of dollars through an affinity scheme. Seng Xiong, 49, was found guilty of wire fraud and mail fraud after a two-week trial.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Amber Brennan, Xiong took advantage of the Hmong people’s tragic history of war and displacement, using it to manipulate his victims into handing over large sums of money. The scheme, run through Xiong’s organization ‘Hmong Tebchaws,’ promised victims 10 acres of land, a house, and other benefits in a future Hmong homeland in Southeast Asia.
The scam, which targeted Hmong elders, involved directing victims to deposit $3,000 to $5,000 into a bank account held in Xiong’s name. In exchange, victims were promised a variety of benefits, including land, a house, free healthcare, free education, and government financial assistance. Those who couldn’t afford the initial investment were offered a lower-tier option for $20 per month.
Xiong claimed to be working with the White House and United Nations to establish the new Hmong country, and even told victims that a piece of land had already been set aside for the Hmong people. However, the scheme was merely a ruse to get his hands on the victims’ money.
The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Saint Paul Police Department, United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force, and Appleton Police Department. Special assistance was also provided by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of California.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amber M. Brennan and Surya Saxena. A sentencing date has not yet been set for Xiong, who faces serious consequences for his crimes.
If you or someone you know could be a victim of Xiong’s scheme, please contact the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force by sending an email to mspectf@usss.dhs.gov.
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
