Manatee County sheriff’s detectives have dismantled an organized elder fraud network that targeted older residents across Florida, resulting in multiple arrests and a federal prison sentence. The complex operation defrauded more than 40 victims out of over $3.5 million.
Elder Fraud Investigation
The investigation began in July 2025 after a resident reported a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission representative. Economic Crimes detectives used images provided by the resident to identify 40-year-old Xin Liu, a Chinese national, who confessed to her role in the scheme and was later sentenced in federal court to 27 months in prison.
Statewide, the network attempted to steal over $95,000, and one 79-year-old Manatee County woman had already lost over $200,000 to a cryptocurrency scam. Detectives conducted an undercover sting operation, leading to the arrest of a 52-year-old Chinese national who acted as a courier and faces charges of scheme to defraud and conspiracy to commit a first-degree felony.
A third suspect, a 56-year-old Chinese national, was later arrested on identical charges involving an older victim. During a search of a home linked to the network, detectives found thousands of suspected counterfeit items, triggering a separate federal investigation.
Law Enforcement Response
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells stated, ‘These criminals specifically targeted elderly victims and stole their life savings. Thanks to the determination of our detectives and the cooperation of our law enforcement partners, we were able to stop additional victims from being defrauded, identify those responsible, and hold them accountable.’ The federal prison sentence serves as a reminder that those who prey on vulnerable residents face serious consequences.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
