BEAUMONT, Texas — Two men were arrested Tuesday in connection with a fraud scheme that coerced a victim into returning tens of thousands of dollars in cash, according to the Beaumont Police Department.
The victim was falsely told he had received a $50,000 refund in error and was pressured to return the funds. He had already handed over $20,000 and was preparing to give an additional $30,000 when police intervened.
Around 12:41 p.m., detectives from BPD’s Special Assignment Unit, along with patrol officers, conducted surveillance at the victim’s home in the 3600 block of Brentwood Drive. When the suspects arrived to collect the money, the victim confirmed their identity.
Police detained the vehicle’s occupants, identifying them as Jiexi Fan, 33, and Zhenxiang Yang, 39. During the arrest, officers also found suspected methamphetamine in Fan’s possession.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with felony theft, and Fan also faces an additional charge for possession of a controlled substance. They were booked into the Jefferson County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
