A Chinese national, Jiaan Cao, has been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney in Ocala, Florida. If convicted, Cao could face up to 20 years in federal prison. Currently, Cao is detained as the case proceeds.
The indictment alleges that from at least October 2024 through December 12, 2024, Cao conspired with others to commit wire fraud. The conspirators allegedly gained access to a victim's computer by posing as representatives of the victim's financial institution and claimed that the victim's account had been compromised. They then instructed the victim to withdraw money and purchase gold, which would be collected by a member of the conspiracy. Throughout this period, electronic communications were exchanged among conspirators detailing the victim's location.
It is important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation and does not imply guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg will prosecute the case.