Xuliang Hou, Gift Card Fraud, New York 2020
A brazen scheme to swindle victims out of millions of dollars has come to an end, thanks to the skillful investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the dedication of the prosecutors of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.
Xuliang Hou, 32, and Yuna Lin, 30, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were arrested yesterday and are set to be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
According to the allegations in the Indictment, Hou and Lin carried out a scheme from July 2020 through at least May 2022 in which victims were induced, under false pretenses, to purchase gift cards redeemable at certain stores. The scheme's perpetrators used those cards to purchase millions of dollars' worth of various products, including electronic devices.
Hou and Lin are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
The alleged scheme was brazen and far-reaching, swindling victims out of millions of dollars across multiple states over the course of several years. HSI New York remains steadfast in their commitment to thwart criminal organizations seeking to undermine the integrity of American businesses and the stability of our financial system.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and Hou and Lin are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is being handled by the Office's General Crimes Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Benjamin M. Burkett in charge of the prosecution.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI in bringing this case to a close.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →