U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a warning to New York residents following the arrests of two Chinese nationals involved in schemes targeting elderly individuals. The incidents have raised concerns about fraudulent activities preying on vulnerable community members.
Jian Chen was apprehended on July 8 after being charged with felony grand larceny. He allegedly defrauded a 63-year-old retired woman of $42,000 and attempted to extract an additional $98,000 from her. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Massena office, along with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers, arrested him under a criminal warrant.
Another arrest occurred on May 29 when Rihui Yan was taken into custody by HSI Massena for attempting to defraud an elderly couple of their $20,000 savings. Yan is also wanted in Wyoming County for similar charges.
Both individuals are currently held in ICE custody without bond as they await removal proceedings.
Joseph Freden, Deputy Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, stated: “It takes a real dirtbag to prey on our most vulnerable community members by attempting to swindle them out of their hard-earned savings.” Erin Keegan, HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge, emphasized the agency’s dedication to protecting communities from such threats: “Every day, we are unwaveringly committed to protecting our neighborhoods and individuals’ livelihoods.”
Previously, Hui Chen was arrested on October 24, 2024, following a tip-off from the Ticonderoga Police Department. He faced charges of grand larceny and conspiracy related to another scheme targeting an elderly resident for approximately $40,000.
ICE has established the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE) to support victims affected by crimes linked to immigration violations. While VOICE is not a tip line itself, ICE encourages tips related to immigration and criminal violations through other channels.
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