Police in Colleyville say two suspects have been arrested in an international money laundering ring that targeted senior citizens in north Texas and other parts of the country. Police began investigating the operation in March of 2021 when a victim came forward.
That Colleyville resident had been tricked into buying thousands of dollars worth of gift cards to pay a bill that they didn't actually owe. The gift cards were redeemed in other states and the proceeds were transferred to China. Investigators say multiple suspects were involved in the operation, which scammed victims out of more than $3 million.
Colleyville Police worked with Walmart Global Investigations, the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office and the U.S. Secret Service to track the suspects and the funds. One suspect, 28-year-old Lin Qiu, was arrested in September.
Two more suspects were arrested this week. Police apprehended 56-year-old Ke Xu and 67-year-old Robert J. Lang on January 31st. They're charged with engaging in organized crime, theft from the elderly, money laundering and exploitation of the elderly.
"These arrests are a small victory in a complex investigation that has targeted a large portion of the population, including many elderly victims," said Colleyville Police Chief, Michael C. Miller. "The work this team has done over the last year to track down these suspects is not only incredible, but is a true testament to their service to our communities and to the partnerships we continue to cultivate."
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