Manatee County detectives dismantle $3.5M criminal network targeting elderly residents
Detectives dismantle global elder fraud ring
More than forty victims were scammed out of three and a half million dollars across the state. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says a fraud case turned into a federal investigation, uncovering a complex criminal organization which stretches around the globe. FOX 13's Kim Kuizon reports.
PALMETTO, Fla. - Manatee County sheriff's detectives dismantled an organized elder fraud network that they say targeted older residents across Florida, leading to multiple arrests and a federal prison sentence.
The complex operation defrauded more than 40 victims out of over $3.5 million, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Elder fraud investigation
What we know:
MCSO's economic crimes unit launched an investigation in July 2025 after a resident reported a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission representative. Detective Gary Cummings noted that these operations use psychological pressure.
"It’s always big flashing letters, an emergency and then they will tell you to fix this you need to send money," Cummings said.
The suspicious resident took photos of a woman who came to his home to collect cash, as well as her vehicle.
Economic Crimes detectives used the images to identify 40-year-old Xin Liu, a Chinese national who traveled throughout the states picking up cash.
Xin Liu was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for her role in an elder fraud scheme. Image is courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
"She was using an alias pretending to be a federal investigator with the FBI," Cummings said.
Liu confessed to her role, faced charges in Manatee County for a scheme to defraud, and was later sentenced in federal court to 27 months in prison.
Statewide criminal network
The backstory:
Investigators discovered that Liu operated as a courier to pick up more than $95,000 from victims of phone and online scams.
"If the dollar amount is high enough or the asset like gold or some sort of physical thing, they have to come and get. If it’s a high enough dollar amount, they will coordinate state side for someone to come and pick that up," Cummings said.
While Liu was sent to pick up these assets under a pseudonym, investigators say she was just told to go to the locations to secure the packages.
The momentum from her arrest led detectives to dozens of other victims across Florida, including a 79-year-old Manatee County woman who had already lost over $200,000 to a cryptocurrency scam. While detectives interviewed her, scammers called to set up another $30,000 cash pickup, prompting an immediate undercover sting operation.
Undercover courier arrests
Local perspective:
Surveillance during the sting led to the arrest of a 52-year-old Chinese national who detectives said acted as a courier. That suspect faces charges of scheme to defraud and conspiracy to commit a first-degree felony.
A third suspect, a 56-year-old Chinese national, was later arrested on identical charges involving an older victim. During a search of a home linked to the network, detectives found thousands of suspected counterfeit items, triggering a separate federal investigation.
Cummings stressed that anyone can be targeted, but a simple pause can stop the crime.
"A lot of times, if people would just take that pause, hang up the phone, maybe not respond to the email. Do verification first. Contact family, law enforcement," he said.
Millions in losses
By the numbers:
- $3.5 million: The total amount of reported losses stolen by the criminal organization from older individuals.
- 40: The minimum number of victims identified by law enforcement throughout Florida.
- 27 months: The federal prison sentence handed down to Liu, who must also pay restitution.
Ongoing fraud cases
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released the names of the 52-year-old and 56-year-old suspects arrested during the expanding investigation. It remains unclear exactly how many more couriers operated within the state network or how many counterfeit items were seized during the house raid.
Officials also have not specified how long the broader criminal organization had been operating before the first victim came forward.
Law enforcement response
What they're saying:
"These criminals specifically targeted elderly victims and stole their life savings," Sheriff Rick Wells said. "Thanks to the determination of our detectives and the cooperation of our law enforcement partners, we were able to stop additional victims from being defrauded, identify those responsible, and hold them accountable."
Wells noted that the federal prison sentence serves as a reminder that those who prey on vulnerable residents face serious consequences. Several state and federal cases remain pending as the investigation is active.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells and Detective Gary Cummings of the Econmic Crimes Unit, and agency records detailing the economic crimes investigation, as well as a federal press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida regarding the sentencing of Xin Liu.