Greenwich Police arrested a Flushing, NY man on Aug 27 after plainclothes officers conducted surveillance targeting organized retail theft and fraud in the central Greenwich area.
ORCA officers observed activity consistent with indicators of fraud and theft.
Police say the accused, Yu Chen, 36, conspired with another individual to use multiple stolen payment cards in an effort to obtain, possess, retain and access accounts of victims. Police said Mr. Chen 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 Organized Criminal Groups 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 entered a nearby getaway vehicle, investigators conducted an investigative detention. An on-scene interview revealed a conflicting and vague explanation and an admission that the accused did not know whose credit / debit cards he was using, and that he was told to download an app to purchase specific items.
Mr. Chen gave inconsistent and confusing statements regarding his travel and purpose in the area,often times being untruthful or omitting key details.
Based on the totality of the circumstances, including arrestees behavior, method of payment, use of multiple cards, presence of a second phone, and known Organized Crime methods, investigators established Probable Cause to believe Mr. Chen engaged in credit card fraud and was placed under arrest.
Investigators were able to recover recently purchased Apple products including an iPhone valued at $1399 and an Apple Watch valued at $799.
On scene investigation determined that these products were recently bought by the arrestee using stolen credit card information.
Mr. Chen faces charges including:
Conspiracy to Commit Il Use of Scanning Device
Conspiracy to commit/Pos Scan/Rencdr with Intent Illegal Use
Larceny 3
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 3
Illegal Possession Personal Id Info Deice
Conspiracy to Commit / Illegal Possession Personal Id Info Device
Illegal Possession Personal Id Information Device
Conspiracy to Commit / Illegal Possession Personal Id Info Device
Payment Card Theft (6 counts)
Conspiracy to Commit Payment Card Theft (6 counts)
Payment Card Theft (6 counts)
Conspiracy to Commit Payment Card Theft (6 counts)
>$500 on Revoked Payment Card
Conspiracy to Commit >$500 on Revoked Payment Card
>$500 on Revoked Payment Card
Conspiracy to Commit >$50 on Revoked Payment Card
Receipt from Illegal use Credit Card
Conspiracy to Commit / Receipt from Illegal Use Credit Card
Receipt from Illegal Use Credit Card
Conspiracy to Commit / Receipt from Illegal Use Credit Card
Identity Theft 3rd degree
Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft 3rd degree (6 counts)
Criminal Impersonation
Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Impersonation (6 counts)
Conspiracy to Commit / Criminal Impersonation (6 counts)
Chen’s bond was set at $250,000. He was assigned a date in Stamford Superior Court on Sept 11, 2026.