On Thursday, June 12, 2025, at approximately 1:08pm, Greenwich plainclothes officers assigned to the organized retail crime unit were alerted by a local merchant to a suspicious transaction.
Yin Xiang and Lirong Fu. Photo courtesy Greenwich Police
Officers observed a male, later identified as Lirong Fu, 34, attempting multiple digital wallet purchases using different credit cards—several of which were declined. 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.
Fu exited the store with merchandise and met another individual, Yin Xiang, 38, in a vehicle.
According to Greenwich Police, both individuals were detained and provided conflicting statements regarding their travel and activities.
A subsequent investigation revealed multiple gift cards, receipts, a counterfeit Arizona driver’s license, a notepad with gift card instructions, and over $1,700 in cash inside their vehicle.
Additionally, a receipt was located documenting several thousand dollars worth of suspected stolen products being shipped to China. This is consistent with known patterns of Chinese Organized Criminal Groups (COCGs) engaged in retail fraud.
Xiang and Fu were both subsequently arrested without incident and charged with the following financial crimes:
Yin Xiang was charged with Conspiracy to Commit ID Theft 3 (6 counts), Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Impersonation (6 counts), Conspiracy to Commit Payment Card Theft (6 counts), Conspiracy to Commit <$500 on Revoked Payment Card (6 counts), Conspiracy to Commit Receipt from Illegal Use of Payment Card (6 counts) and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 6.
Lirong Fu was charged with Forgery 2, Identity Theft 3 (7 counts), Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft 3 (6 counts), Criminal Impersonation (6 counts), Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Impersonation (6 counts), Payment Card Theft (6 counts), Conspiracy to commit Payment Card theft (6 counts), <$500 on Revoked Payment Card (6 counts), Conspiracy to Commit <$500 on Revoked Payment Card (6 counts), Receipt from Illegal Use of Payment Card (3 counts), Criminal Attempt to Commit Receipt from Illegal use of Payment Card (3 counts), Conspiracy to Commit Receipt from Illegal Use of Payment card (6 counts), Larceny 6 and conspiracy to Commit Larceny 6.
Xiang and Fu were assigned court dates at Stamford Superior Court.
Report suspicious activity any time to (203) 622-8004 (24 hours).
To make a confidential report about criminal activity occurring in Greenwich email [email protected] or call (203) 622-3333.