MINEOLA, Nassau County (WABC) — Nassau County authorities announced the arrest of seven men involved in a massive $20 million money laundering operation on Long Island on Thursday. The scheme saw the men using fraudulently obtained gift cards to purchase and resell goods across the region.
Surveillance footage from Home Depot and Lowe’s stores in Nassau County shows the suspects purchasing over $3 million worth of plumbing supplies, including copper pipes, steel cables, and hot water heaters. These items were later resold as part of the illegal operation.
“This is one of the largest money laundering cases I’ve prosecuted as district attorney,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, who praised the successful investigation.
The men targeted mostly elderly victims, swindling them into buying gift cards through a series of deceptive tactics. In one method, they used computer spyware to block the victims’ screens or sent fraudulent text messages claiming the victims’ identities or financial information had been compromised. The victims were then instructed to buy Home Depot and Lowe’s gift cards to supposedly clear their names or avoid arrest.
The 15-month investigation also uncovered 12 box trucks containing $650,000 worth of merchandise, along with $100,000 in cash, luxury jewelry, and handbags. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder recalled seeing detectives unloading the trucks during the bust.
“The operation was extensive, and our officers were determined to put a stop to it,” Ryder said.
Sky Cunhang Lin, 36, of Flushing, Queens, is believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme. Lin appeared in over 100 surveillance videos. The men face charges of money laundering and conspiracy, with each carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities are still searching for five additional individuals believed to be involved in the operation.
