Mineola, N.Y. (ABC7) — Seven men were arrested in Nassau County on Thursday for their involvement in a $20 million money laundering scheme operating on Long Island. The men used fraudulently obtained gift cards to purchase merchandise, which they later resold for profit.
According to authorities, surveillance cameras from Home Depot and Lowe’s across Nassau County showed the men purchasing over $3 million worth of plumbing materials, including copper pipes, steel cables, and hot water heaters. These items were part of a scheme to launder money by reselling them.
“This is one of the largest money laundering cases my office has prosecuted in my time as district attorney,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly. She explained that the men tricked mostly elderly victims into buying gift cards by using computer spyware to block their screens or sending fake text messages claiming their identities or financial information were compromised. Victims were then instructed to buy Home Depot and Lowe’s gift cards to “offset charges” or “avoid arrest.”
The 15-month investigation also led to the discovery of 12 box trucks filled with $650,000 worth of stolen merchandise, along with $100,000 in cash, high-end jewelry, and handbags. Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick Ryder recounted witnessing the unloading of the trucks, highlighting the scope of the operation.
Authorities believe the leader of the scheme is 36-year-old Sky Cunhang Lin from Flushing, Queens, who was seen over 100 times on surveillance footage. Each suspect faces charges of money laundering and conspiracy. If convicted, they could each face up to 15 years in prison.
Police are still searching for five other individuals believed to be involved in the operation.