A Fresh Meadow, NY man faces numerous charges in Greenwich after plainclothes officers in the Organized Retail Crime Activity (ORCA) unit targeting organized retail theft in the area of central Greenwich were alerted by a merchant to suspicious transaction.
Police said the accused, Chencai Xie, 40, conspired with another individual to conduct a purchase using a digital wallet with at least three different cards, all of which were declined.
The co-conspirator remained on a phone call in an Asian language throughout the transactions. Based on training and experience, officers recognized this pattern as consistent with tactics used by Chinese Organized Criminal Groups (COCGs) involved in identity theft and credit card fraud. These groups are known to utilize mirrored digital wallets through apps like “Z-NFC” to make unauthorized purchases with stolen card information.
As the accused, Mr. Xie, entered a nearby getaway vehicle, investigators conducted an investigative detention. On scene interview revealed an admission that the accused did not know whose credit cards he was using, that he was told to download an application to purchase specific items while constantly staying in communication and working in concert with another individual.
Based on the totality of circumstances including Mr. Xie’s behavior, method of payment, geographic origin, use of multiple cards, presence of a second phone and known COCG methods, officers established probable cause to believe the arrestee was engaged in credit card fraud and placed under arrest.
He was charged with:
Possession Scan/Rencdr with Intent Use
Corrupt Org & Racketeering Act
Criminal Attempt Larceny 5
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 5
Payment Card Theft
Conspiracy to Commit Payment Card Theft
Conspiracy to commit >$500 on Revoked Payment Card (3 counts)
>$500 on Revoked Payment Card (3 counts)
Criminal Attempt/Receipt from Ill Use Credit Card (3 counts)
Conspiracy to Commit/Receipt from ill Use Credit Card (3 counts)
Identity Theft 3rd degree
Conspiracy to Commit identity Theft 3rd degree
Conspiracy to Commit/Criminal Impersonation
Criminal Impersonation
His bond was set at $25,000 and he was assigned a court date on July 27, 2026 in Stamford Superior Court.