Weikai Zhang, allegedly a member of a sophisticated cyber fraud ring, has been apprehended in New York and now faces multiple felony charges in Florida for orchestrating a scheme that defrauded Floridians out of more than $50,000. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the charges brought by his Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, highlighting the exploitation of residents, including a senior citizen.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Zhang employed deceptive online pop-up alerts and impersonated bank employees to ensnare his victims.
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“This cyber fraudster exploited Floridians, including a senior, and stole tens of thousands of dollars,” stated Attorney General Uthmeier. “This will not be allowed to stand in Florida. Thanks to the hard work of our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, our Statewide Prosecutors will be able to hold this cybercriminal accountable.”
The investigation commenced following a complaint filed by an Orange County resident who was swindled out of $23,000. The probe revealed that Zhang convinced the victim that their bank account was compromised.
He initially attempted to have the victim deposit funds into a purported “safe account” via three different cryptocurrency kiosks. When this failed, Zhang allegedly traveled in person, posing as a bank employee, to collect the $23,000 in cash, a transaction captured on surveillance footage.
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Further investigation uncovered a similar instance where Zhang targeted a senior woman in Martin County. He allegedly traveled from Central Florida to the victim’s location and successfully obtained $30,000 in cash as a result of the fraudulent scheme.
Zhang faces serious felony charges, including one count of organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more (a first-degree felony), one count of exploitation of a person 65 years or older $10,000 or more but less than $50,000 (a second-degree felony), and one count of conspiracy to commit grand theft over $20,000 but less than $100,000 (a third-degree felony).
Authorities successfully apprehended Zhang in New York, and he is currently in custody in Martin County, Florida.
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