United States: A multinational fraud investigation in the United States has reached a key milestone, with the final defendants among 25 people arrested in an alleged $65 million scam targeting elderly Americans pleading guilty, according to the US Department of Justice (DOJ).
The operation, which prosecutors said began in 2019, allegedly involved India-based call centres, fake identities and short-term rental properties used to collect cash from victims. Three charged defendants remained fugitives as of the DOJ’s latest announcement on October 26, 2026.
According to prosecutors, scammers impersonated technical-support agents, government officials and bank employees to convince victims that they had received erroneous refunds or faced urgent financial problems. Victims were allegedly pressured into transferring money through wire transfers, gift cards or cash packages sent to addresses provided by the fraudsters.
Investigators began examining the network in December 2020 after an elderly victim reported sending cash through an express-mail service. Authorities subsequently discovered 11 packages containing approximately $135,000 addressed to fictitious recipients at rental properties in the San Diego area.
Federal prosecutors also highlighted the role of YouTube scam investigators from Scammer Payback and Trilogy Media in identifying suspects. Their sting operations in 2020 and 2021 involved decoy packages and confrontations with suspected cash collectors. Footage shared with law enforcement helped investigators verify identities and establish links to the alleged conspiracy.
In August 2025, federal agents conducted coordinated arrests across California, New York, Texas and Michigan. The investigation involved the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the IRS Criminal Investigation division, among other agencies.
In a June 2026 announcement, prosecutors said Hua Wang admitted participating in the scheme between 2019 and 2023 and was responsible for more than 2,000 cash packages. Authorities attributed approximately $64 million in victim losses to his role.
The latest guilty pleas mark a significant development, but sentencing proceedings for several defendants remain pending.
