DESOTO COUNTY, Miss. — DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced that Chai Lai, a Taiwanese national, has been arrested on multiple felony charges tied to an international fraud scheme targeting elderly victims.
Lai faces four felony counts, including conspiracy to commit fraud, false pretenses, money laundering, and wire fraud, stemming from allegations that the scheme drained millions of dollars from senior citizens’ bank accounts.
According to Barton, Lai was apprehended upon arrival at a U.S. airport as part of a joint operation involving Homeland Security Investigations. Initial efforts to secure Lai’s custody were delayed after California authorities reportedly declined to cooperate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in honoring a valid Mississippi warrant.
Barton said Lai was ultimately transferred to Los Angeles International Airport, where the LAX Police Department honored the Mississippi indictment. Lai was taken into custody and transferred to DeSoto County to face prosecution.
“Today’s successful apprehension of this fugitive highlights our office’s commitment to protecting DeSoto County residents,” Barton said, adding that the case underscores the risks posed by policies that hinder interagency cooperation.
Authorities allege the fraud operation targeted elderly victims across Mississippi and beyond, using deceptive tactics to gain access to bank accounts and financial information.
The investigation was conducted by the Hernando Police Department and the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office. Barton emphasized that his office remains committed to holding individuals accountable for fraud and exploitation, regardless of where they operate.
Officials also urged seniors and their families to remain alert to financial scams, advising residents to verify requests for money, avoid sharing personal or banking information, and report suspected fraud immediately to law enforcement.
