Recent incidents in New York City involving crimes where individuals were lured into robbery traps under the guise of exchanging money via WeChat have raised concerns among the public. The police have reported that these crimes are mainly concentrated in Brooklyn and Queens where Chinese communities gather. The latest incident occurred on July 5th in Murray Hill, with the total amount involved in these cases reaching over $70,000 since the end of May. The authorities are advising the public to avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public places and to remain vigilant when conducting private transactions.
In one incident disclosed by the New York City Police Department Public Information Office (DCPI), a 53-year-old man met with suspects in a building near Northern Blvd and 150th Street at 3 am on July 5th to exchange $20,000 for Chinese yuan. To the man’s surprise, the Asian suspect pulled out a gun from a black bag and threatened him, causing the man to flee to safety unharmed.
Another incident took place on June 10th at 11:20 am, where four suspects met with an Asian couple in an apartment on Fresh Meadow Rd. One of the suspects immediately brandished a gun upon meeting them, while the others assaulted the victims, stealing $10,700 in cash and belongings. The day before on June 9th at 9:30 pm, a duo of robbers used the same modus operandi near Doppler St in Queensboro Hill, robbing $32,000 in cash and items.
On May 27th at noon, a 27-year-old Asian man met with three suspects near 39th Ave in Flushing to exchange dollars to yuan through WeChat. After handing over $7,000 in cash, the man was suddenly attacked by the other two suspects who then stole the money.
Later on the same day, the same criminal group continued their theft spree in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, robbing an 18-year-old Asian woman of approximately $4,000.
Police have released photos of two Asian suspects, a male wearing a black hoodie with the word “Celine” printed on it and a long-haired Asian female. They are offering a reward of $3,500 for any information leading to the arrest of these suspects who have been targeting victims under the guise of currency exchange through WeChat.
Anyone with information is urged to call the New York City Police Stop Crime Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 or submit tips on the Stop Crime website: https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/. Tips can also be submitted to @NYPDTips on the X platform. All calls will be kept confidential.