Two arrested and charged in Chinese gold fraud

Fake gold artifacts

RICHMOND RCMP have arrested and charged two malesĀ in a fake Chinese gold scheme.

OnĀ December 21, Richmond RCMP were contacted by a man who alleged he had purchased what were supposed to be ‘priceless’ gold Chinese artifacts from two males, but he soon discovered the gold was fake.

The Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit (ECU) was engaged to investigate this matter and quickly linked it to a second reported incident in Surrey. By linking these incidents along with assistance from outside agencies, Richmond RCMP ECU was ultimately able to identify the two suspects associated to both alleged frauds.

ā€œThis particular investigation was extremely dynamic and the Richmond RCMP would like to thank the investigators at Canada Border Services Agency and the San Francisco District Attorneyā€™s Office,ā€ said ECU Supervisor Cpl. Marco Sallinen.

The two suspects were ultimately arrested and on January 6, two counts each of fraud over $5,000 were laid against 52-year-old Dejin Xu and 49-year-old Zhong Yang. Both are Chinese nationals and remain in custody.

ā€œThis is the second time Richmond RCMP have arrested individuals associated to this type of crime but itā€™s a crime that knows no boundaries with arrests reportedly having taken place in Japan, Singapore and the United States,ā€ said Acting Cpl. Adriana Peralta.

This scheme first surfaced in Richmond in 2010 and again in 2015. In 2015 Richmond RCMP arrested and charged a Chinese national, Bao Sheng Zhong, for a similar scheme involving fake, ancient Chinese gold Buddha figurines and ingots. Zhong was ultimately convicted of fraud and deported back to China.

With the resurfacing of this scheme, Richmond RCMP would like to remind people to remain cautious when anyone attempts to offer or sell something of great value. In a case like this, they recommend:
– Having all the gold pieces individually tested by an independent testing facility
– Having legal counsel involved to protect the buyer and seller
If you or anyone you know is a victim of this type of crime, contact Richmond RCMP Economic Crime Unit at 604-278-1212. To leave a tip on this crime, email Richmond_Tips@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).