Eight Chinese nationals indicted by jury for conspiracy to commit wire fraud

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that eight Chinese nationals were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. 

These individuals were involved in a national scam to swindle more than 50 victims out of millions of dollars. Three of the victims, from whom more than half of the total dollars were swindled, were from Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

The eight individuals managed to get student visas to attend college in the U.S., according to Northcentral PA.com. 

"An individual who I know well told me that he met up with a woman on the internet," Lycoming County District Attorney Tom Marino said, according to the news outlet. "She showed him how she could make a lot of money for him, but they needed a sizable amount of cash to show investors this was a sure thing." 

According to the indictment, the individuals in 2023 set up a scheme to target elderly individuals and lie to them, telling them that their bank accounts were compromised. 

The Chinese nationals also reportedly posed as police officers, went to victims' houses and collected money, promising the assets would be protected. 

"Schemes like these cause significant emotional and financial harm to elderly victims across the country," Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens said, according to Northcentral PA.com. "HSI, in partnership with the FBI, remains steadfast in our commitment to securing justice for the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable."