Four Chinese nationals have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a scheme involving identity theft and fraud against U.S. consumers and retailers, amounting to at least $1.2 million. The sentencing took place in Los Angeles under United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson.
The defendants, who entered the U.S. under false pretenses, used stolen identities to create fake driver's licenses and access credit at major retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Williams-Sonoma, Dillard’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Kar Kee “Steven” Cheung received a 42-month sentence for visa fraud and possession of equipment for making false identification documents. Qian Guo was sentenced to 33 months for similar charges. Chongming “Ming” Wang was given an 18-month sentence for conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aiding access device fraud over $1,000. Jiaozhu “Yanny” Yan received a sentence of 12 months and one day for visa fraud.
A fifth conspirator, Sizhen “Rachel” Liu, had previously been sentenced to 50 months on related charges. A sixth defendant, Hyun Woo “Scott” Jung, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty.
The State Department's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is leading the ongoing investigation with support from Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI among others. The DSS has set up a tipline for confidential information regarding this scheme.
Assistant United States Attorney Kim Meyer prosecuted the case.