SACRAMENTO, Calif. (FOX40) — A Chinese national who failed to appear in court in Northern California on charges related to the theft of thousands of gift cards from Target and Apple was detained after trying to enter the United States illegally.
Yubo Tian, 37, was arrested on December 12 after attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico. According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Tian was involved in a nationwide retail theft operation in August, which led to nearly 400 arrests or citations. Tian was reportedly in possession of nearly 6,300 gift cards from Target and Apple during the operation.
The theft ring allegedly tampered with gift cards by stealing the funds loaded onto them by purchasers and redirecting the money to offshore accounts. After his arrest in August, Tian was released from jail on his own recognizance. In September, he traveled back to China, and later to the United Arab Emirates and Spain in November. In early December, Tian attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico, where he was detained.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office worked with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Placer County Sheriff’s Office to bring Tian back to California, where he is now held without bail in the Sacramento County Main Jail.
Tian now faces charges related to the theft and trafficking of stolen gift cards, with further proceedings expected as the investigation continues.