Florida courier sentenced to federal prison after scam ring stole $3.5 million from elderly victims

A Florida crypto fraud ring that stole more than $3.5 million from over 40 elderly residents has been dismantled, with a courier at the centre of the operation sentenced to 27 months in federal prison after investigators caught her collecting cash from victims at their homes.

Authorities said the Crypto scam network relied on phone calls, fraudulent emails, and impersonation of federal officials to pressure victims into handing over cash, gold, and cryptocurrency. Investigators believe the operation stretched across the state and remains under active investigation.

Crypto scam network investigation began with one vigilant resident

The investigation into the Crypto scam network began after a Manatee County resident reported receiving calls from a scammer posing as a representative of the Federal Trade Commission. Rather than complying, the resident photographed a woman who arrived at his home to collect cash and captured images of her vehicle before alerting authorities.

Those images enabled detectives from the MCSO Economic Crimes Unit to identify 40-year-old Xin Liu, a Chinese national accused of serving as a courier for the organization.

Detective Gary Cummings said the fraudsters relied on fear and urgency to manipulate victims.

“It’s always big flashing letters, an emergency and then they will tell you to fix this you need to send money.” — Detective Gary Cummings, Economic Crimes Unit, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

Investigators said Liu used an alias while pretending to be an FBI investigator to gain victims’ trust.

“She was using an alias pretending to be a federal investigator with the FBI.” — Detective Gary Cummings, Economic Crimes Unit, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

Liu admitted her involvement in the scheme. She was charged in Manatee County for participating in a scheme to defraud before receiving a 27-month federal prison sentence and being ordered to pay restitution.

How the Crypto scam network operated across Florida

According to investigators, the Crypto scam network deployed couriers whenever victims were instructed to surrender large sums of money or valuable assets.

Detective Cummings explained that the operation coordinated local pickups when the value involved justified an in-person collection.

“If the dollar amount is high enough or the asset like gold or some sort of physical thing, they have to come and get. If it’s a high enough dollar amount, they will coordinate state side for someone to come and pick that up.” — Detective Gary Cummings, Economic Crimes Unit, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

Authorities said Liu personally collected more than $95,000 from victims while operating under a pseudonym and claimed she was simply instructed where to retrieve the packages.

The investigation expanded after Liu’s arrest, leading detectives to dozens of additional victims throughout Florida. Among them was a 79-year-old woman from Manatee County who had already lost more than $200,000 to a cryptocurrency-related scam. While investigators interviewed her, scammers attempted to arrange another $30,000 cash pickup, prompting an undercover operation.

Undercover operation exposes more members of the Crypto scam network

Surveillance during the sting operation led to the arrest of a 52-year-old Chinese national who investigators identified as another courier working for the Crypto scam network. The suspect faces charges including scheme to defraud and conspiracy to commit a first-degree felony.

A third suspect, a 56-year-old Chinese national, was later arrested on similar charges involving another elderly victim.

During a search of a property connected to the operation, detectives recovered thousands of suspected counterfeit items, triggering a separate federal investigation. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the two additional suspects, nor have they revealed how many couriers may have been involved in the broader organization.

Authorities warn the Crypto scam network targeted vulnerable victims

Sheriff Rick Wells said the investigation prevented additional financial losses and demonstrated the commitment of law enforcement agencies working together against organized fraud.

“These criminals specifically targeted elderly victims and stole their life savings. Thanks to the determination of our detectives and the cooperation of our law enforcement partners, we were able to stop additional victims from being defrauded, identify those responsible, and hold them accountable.” — Sheriff Rick Wells, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

Detective Cummings also urged residents to verify suspicious communications before responding.

“A lot of times, if people would just take that pause, hang up the phone, maybe not respond to the email. Do verification first. Contact family, law enforcement,” he said.

Officials said the Crypto scam network investigation remains active, with additional state and federal cases still pending. Authorities continue working to identify other couriers and determine the full scope of the criminal organization.

Sources: FOX 13 News