Two individuals have been arrested in connection with an ongoing series of online scams targeting elderly victims in Rhode Island. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England and local law enforcement agencies arrested Jirui Liu, 22, of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, and Kush J. Patel, 22, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, as part of a federal, state, and local investigation into fraudulent schemes.
Liu, charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering, allegedly played a role in a scam that defrauded a 79-year-old man of $30,000 in cash and gold bars valued at $130,000. The victim, who was tricked into believing he was under investigation for serious crimes, handed over his assets to the conspirators after being instructed by individuals impersonating federal authorities.
The scam escalated in early September when an unknown member of the group visited the victim’s home to collect $30,000 in cash. The victim was then instructed to purchase $135,000 worth of gold bars, which were delivered to the fraudsters. Before a third delivery of $160,000 in gold bars could be made, the victim alerted law enforcement. HSI agents provided fake gold bars for the third delivery, which was made under surveillance. Liu was arrested following a traffic stop by Connecticut State Police.Jirui Liu and Kush Patel Charged in Multi-State Online Scam Targeting Elderly”
In a separate case, Patel is accused of participating in a similar scheme targeting a 72-year-old Rhode Island resident. The victim was tricked into believing that his identity had been compromised, and was directed by fake agents posing as officials from the Federal Trade Commission to purchase gold bullion in order to “freeze” his assets. Patel allegedly collected the third batch of gold bullion, which had been substituted with fake items by law enforcement. He was arrested at the scene of the delivery.
Both Liu and Patel face serious charges, including wire fraud and money laundering. Their arrests are part of a broader investigation involving several law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to search for other victims of the scam.
