FRESNO, Calif. — Three Fresno men were arrested Wednesday after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as an organized mail and identity theft operation spanning Tulare, Fresno, and Madera counties.
Police identified the suspects as Stephen Yang, 40; Kou Vang, 48; and Xai Xiong, 35, all of Fresno. The arrests followed a month-long investigation that began after the City of Tulare experienced a sharp rise in community mailbox break-ins across residential neighborhoods.
Investigators say a key break in the case came when a witness observed someone forcing entry into a community mailbox and recorded the suspect vehicle’s license plate. The plate was traced to Yang, who police say was previously arrested in 2024 for similar offenses.
On Jan. 8, shortly after 2 a.m., Tulare police located the vehicle near Prosperity Avenue and Mooney Boulevard. Yang was driving, with Vang as a passenger. While both men were initially released, officers seized the vehicle after allegedly discovering counterfeit mailbox keys inside. The vehicle was later recovered by Yang from a tow yard.
Surveillance continued, leading detectives to three Fresno residences believed to be used for storing stolen mail and identity theft materials. On Jan. 28, search warrants were executed at homes on East Grove Avenue, East Floradora Avenue, and North Price Avenue.
During the searches, police recovered more than 300 pieces of stolen mail containing personal items such as tax refund checks, prescription medication, credit cards, and California identification cards. Investigators also found a credit card manufacturing machine, license plates, and other identity theft-related materials.
Authorities say most of the stolen mail originated from Fresno-area addresses and will be turned over to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Police allege all three suspects were involved in a coordinated mail and identity theft scheme operating across multiple Central Valley counties.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
