Chinese national sentenced in conspiracy to defraud elderly victims

Date: June 23, 2026

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Gainesville, FL - Xin Liu, a Chinese national living in Apopka, Florida, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for her material participation in an elder fraud scheme. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentencing.

United States Attorney Heekin said: "We are unfortunately seeing a rise in the prevalence of elder fraud schemes orchestrated and executed by foreign nationals who target and financially exploit our senior citizens, depleting their life savings and leaving the victims destitute. Raising awareness of these threats is vitally important to preventing more seniors from falling prey to these fraudsters and their schemes. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are working hard to identify and dismantle those fraud schemes, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these fraudsters to the fullest extent of the law."

Court records reflect that the defendant, a Chinese national residing in the United States with an H-1B visa, participated in a fraud scheme that used telephone calls and electronic messages to target elderly victims. Between July 22, 2025, and July 30, 2025, the defendant drove to at least six locations throughout Florida to pick up money from the elderly victims who were targeted in the fraud scheme, including one victim who lived in an assisted living community for seniors in Gainesville, Florida. In total, the defendant attempted to pick up over $95,000 from the victims and was paid using a portion of the fraudulently obtained proceeds. Liu's actions created substantial financial hardship for at least one elderly victim.

"The abuse of elderly individuals is shameful and one of the most disturbing crimes affecting our nation," said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. "IRS-CI will continue to work hand-in hand with our partners and devote resources to protect the vulnerable by dismantling criminal activity that targets elderly victims."

"Stealing from seniors is not just a financial crime, it's a betrayal of trust," said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. "Older Americans should never have to fear being targeted by criminals looking to drain their life savings. This sentence reflects the FBI's commitment to protecting older Americans and holding those accountable who target them."

"These criminals preyed on our most vulnerable residents with sophisticated scams, impersonating federal agents to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells. "Thanks to the swift work of our detectives and federal partners, we've stopped this operation and prevented further victims. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately."

Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya said: "Those who prey on our senior citizens for financial gain should know there is no safe haven in Gainesville. These crimes do more than steal money-they exploit trust, create fear, and can cause significant financial hardship for people who are often living on fixed incomes."

The case involved an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.

IRS-CI is the law enforcement arm of the IRS, responsible for conducting financial crime investigations, including tax fraud, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, public corruption, healthcare fraud, identity theft and more. It is the only federal law enforcement agency with investigative jurisdiction over violations of the Internal Revenue Code. IRS-CI has 18 field offices located across the U.S. and maintains an international presence through attaché posts abroad.