GREENWICH — Plainclothes officers assigned to the organized retail crime unit were alerted by a local merchant to a suspicious transaction Thursday at approximately 1:08 p.m.
Officers observed a male, later identified as Lirong Fu, 34, attempting multiple digital wallet purchases using different credit cards, several of which were declined.
Based on training and experience, officers recognized this pattern as consistent with tactics used by Chinese Organized Criminal Groups involved in identity theft and credit card fraud.
These groups are known to utilize mirrored digital wallets through apps like “Z-NFC” to make unauthorized purchases with stolen card information.
Fu exited the store with merchandise and met another individual, Yin Xiang, 38, in a vehicle.
Both individuals were detained and provided conflicting statements regarding their travel and activities.
A subsequent investigation revealed multiple gift cards, receipts, a counterfeit Arizona driver’s license, a notepad with gift card instructions, and over $1,700 in cash inside their vehicle.
Additionally, a receipt was located documenting several thousand dollars worth of suspected stolen products being shipped to China.
Xiang and Fu were both subsequently arrested without incident and charged with multiple financial crimes.
Both men were assigned court dates at Stamford Superior Court.
