(KRON) — Anh Phan, a Sacramento resident, was arrested last week following a months-long investigation by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office into an extensive mail fraud scheme affecting hundreds of victims.
Authorities say the case began in eastern Santa Rosa, where a felony warrant arrest led detectives to uncover evidence of a check fraud operation. This evidence pointed to several suspects, including Phan and another Sacramento resident, Nguyet Nguyen.
Investigators allege Phan and Nguyen manufactured and distributed counterfeit United States Postal Service (USPS) mailbox keys to accomplices throughout the Bay Area. These accomplices would steal mail and deliver it to Phan.
Phan is accused of using the stolen mail—specifically checks and financial cards—to commit fraud. According to the sheriff’s office, he created fake identities and forged documents, allowing others to cash the checks or use the cards until accounts were flagged and frozen.
The financial impact of the scheme is believed to range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Search warrants were served at both suspects’ Sacramento homes on April 17, where detectives recovered hundreds of stolen mail items, personal checks, and fake credit cards.
Phan and Nguyen were arrested at a casino in the Sacramento area and later booked into Sonoma County Jail. Phan posted $150,000 bail while Nguyen posted $100,000 bail, officials said.
