Manatee County deputies uncover $3.5 million elder fraud scheme, sheriff says
A scam targeting a Manatee County resident helped detectives uncover a fraud ring that they say stole more than $3.5 million from at least 40 victims across Florida.
The investigation led to multiple arrests, a federal prison sentence, the seizure of thousands of suspected counterfeit goods and the exposure of what the sheriff’s office described as an “organized criminal operation that targeted elderly residents.”
One of those couriers, Xin Liu, 40, a Chinese national living in Apopka, was sentenced this week to a little over two years in federal prison for participating in an elder fraud scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. Liu also previously pleaded no contest in Manatee County to a reduced charge of attempted scheme to defraud and was sentenced to time served, court records show.
According to federal prosecutors, Liu traveled to at least six locations across Florida in July 2025, collecting cash from older victims after scammers posing as government officials convinced them to hand over money. Prosecutors said she attempted to collect more than $95,000 and was paid with a share of the stolen funds.
“Stealing from seniors is not just a financial crime, it’s a betrayal of trust,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley in a written statement. “Older Americans should never have to fear being targeted by criminals looking to drain their life savings.”
Scam ring busted in Manatee, deputies say
The sheriff’s office said its investigation began after a Manatee County resident reported being targeted by someone posing as a representative of the Federal Trade Commission.
The victim told investigators he became suspicious when a woman arrived at his home to collect money. He photographed the woman and her vehicle, deputies said. Detectives used the images to identify Liu, who later admitted her involvement during an interview, according to the sheriff’s office.
As detectives continued investigating, they said they learned of a 79-year-old Manatee County woman who had previously lost more than $200,000 in a cryptocurrency scam and was being targeted again.
While detectives interviewed the woman, scammers contacted her and attempted to arrange another $30,000 cash pickup, according to the sheriff’s office.
Detectives set up an undercover operation and arrested a 52-year-old Chinese national who arrived to collect the money. The suspect was charged with scheme to defraud and conspiracy to commit a first-degree felony, deputies said.
Investigators later arrested a 56-year-old Chinese national on charges including scheme to defraud and conspiracy to commit a first-degree felony involving another older victim, according to the sheriff’s office.
During a search of a home connected to the case, detectives said they found thousands of suspected counterfeit items, prompting Homeland Security Investigations opened a separate federal investigation into the goods.
The sheriff’s office said detectives also tracked down additional couriers and worked with other law enforcement agencies across Florida to make arrests.
Federal agencies investigating crime ring
The investigation also involved the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Office of Statewide Prosecution and numerous local law enforcement agencies across Florida.
“These criminals preyed on our most vulnerable residents with sophisticated scams, impersonating federal agents to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said in a written statement. “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.”
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and several related state and federal cases are still pending.
Police say older adults have become increasingly frequent targets of financial scams in Manatee County, leading local agencies to launch specialized fraud prevention efforts.
Anyone age 60 or older who has experienced financial fraud can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) for assistance.
