Chinese national Liqing Chi was arrested for attempting to scam a New York woman out of $98,000 by impersonating a U.S. Marshal, only to be released by local courts before Homeland Security detained him for immigration violations.
Key Takeaways
- Liqing Chi, a 29-year-old Chinese national, was arrested in Flushing, NY after attempting to extort a woman by posing as a U.S. Marshal and demanding payment for alleged debts
- After the victim reported the scam, law enforcement set up a sting operation in Canton, resulting in Chi’s arrest for attempted grand larceny
- Despite being charged with a serious felony, Chi was released on his own recognizance following arraignment at Canton Town Court
- Homeland Security Investigations later apprehended Chi for suspected immigration violations, highlighting concerns about foreign nationals involved in domestic fraud schemes
- Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation, demonstrating a coordinated approach to combating phone scams targeting Americans
Foreign National’s Elaborate Phone Scam Targeting American Woman
A St. Lawrence County woman narrowly escaped becoming the victim of an elaborate phone scam orchestrated by a Chinese national. Liqing Chi, 29, was arrested following an investigation into his fraudulent scheme where he impersonated a U.S. Marshal to extort money from the unsuspecting woman. Chi allegedly made threatening phone calls to the victim, falsely claiming she owed substantial money to U.S. Marshals. Reports indicate he attempted to steal approximately $98,000 through this deception, exploiting the fear and confusion such official-sounding threats can create in law-abiding citizens.
The victim demonstrated remarkable awareness by recognizing the suspicious nature of the calls and promptly reporting the attempted scam to local authorities. Rather than succumbing to panic, she contacted the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, which immediately launched an investigation. This quick thinking prevented what could have been a devastating financial loss and led to the exposure of yet another foreign national involved in predatory activities targeting American citizens. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of phone scams and the importance of public vigilance.
Sting Operation Leads to Arrest in Flushing
Following the victim’s report, law enforcement orchestrated a coordinated sting operation to apprehend the suspect. Investigators arranged a meeting with Chi at a business location in Canton, where he believed he would be collecting the fraudulently demanded funds. When Chi arrived expecting to complete his scheme, he instead found himself surrounded by officers from multiple agencies. The arrest was executed by a joint task force including the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Canton Police Department, New York State Police, and federal agencies demonstrating the serious response to these criminal activities.
Chi was subsequently charged with a felony count of attempted grand larceny, reflecting the substantial sum he tried to extract from his target. The coordination between local, state, and federal authorities in this case represents an encouraging example of effective law enforcement collaboration to protect American citizens from foreign criminals. This multi-agency approach proved essential in tracking and apprehending Chi, who was operating in Flushing, New York, far from the St. Lawrence County location where his victim resided.
Justice System Failures and Homeland Security Intervention
Despite the serious nature of his alleged crimes, Chi was initially released on his own recognizance following his arraignment at Canton Town Court. This controversial decision highlights ongoing concerns about the criminal justice system’s handling of non-citizen offenders and the potential risks posed by catch-and-release policies. The release of a foreign national accused of attempting to steal nearly $100,000 through impersonation of federal law enforcement raises significant questions about judicial priorities and public safety considerations.
Fortunately, Homeland Security Investigations intervened shortly after Chi’s release, apprehending him for suspected immigration violations. This secondary detention likely prevented Chi from potentially fleeing the country or continuing his criminal activities. The case exemplifies the critical role immigration enforcement plays in protecting Americans from foreign criminals who exploit our open society and target vulnerable citizens. Without this intervention, Chi might have disappeared into the large Chinese community in Flushing or attempted to leave the country altogether.
Public Warning and Prevention Measures
Law enforcement officials emphasized that legitimate government agencies never demand money over the phone, an important reminder for all citizens. Phone scams continue to evolve in sophistication, with criminals increasingly using technology to mask their identities and create convincing scenarios. The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to verify any unexpected financial demands by contacting official agencies directly through their publicly listed numbers, rather than responding to incoming calls. This case serves as yet another warning about the persistent threat of scammers targeting Americans.
The investigation into Chi’s activities continues, with authorities working to determine if he was operating alone or as part of a larger criminal network. Phone scam operations frequently involve multiple participants, often operating across international boundaries, making investigation and prosecution challenging. President Trump’s administration has consistently prioritized addressing these types of threats, particularly those originating from foreign actors who exploit our immigration system while victimizing American citizens.
