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A sophisticated international fraud network, responsible for siphoning over $65 million from vulnerable seniors across the United States, has been successfully dismantled. This significant breakthrough was achieved with crucial assistance from a unique group of digital vigilantes: scambaiting YouTubers.
Federal prosecutors in San Diego announced the indictment of 28 alleged members of a Chinese organized crime group on August 27. These individuals are accused of operating a widespread fraud and money laundering scheme, working in tandem with call centers in India. The criminal enterprise, active since at least 2019, preyed on elderly victims through elaborate fake tech support and refund scams. Scammers, posing as government officials, bank representatives, or tech support agents, manipulated victims into believing they had received erroneous refunds, then pressured them to send substantial amounts of money back via cash, wire transfers, and even gift cards.
The human toll of this massive elder fraud was stark. One tragic example involved a 97-year-old San Diego woman, a Holocaust survivor’s widow, who lost her entire life savings to the ruthless operation. Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, underscored the impact: “This investigation dismantled a predatory criminal organization that carried out a complex fraud scheme, manipulated victims throughout the country, and cost victims their hard-earned life savings.”
YouTube Vigilantes Turn the Tide Against Online Scams
What truly set this investigation apart was the unconventional but highly effective involvement of popular YouTubers. Creators like Pierogi, known as Scammer Payback, and the team from Trilogy Media, conducted daring sting operations between 2020 and 2021. Posing as potential victims, they recorded scam calls using virtual machines and even confronted suspects on camera. Their meticulous documentation and direct engagement provided invaluable intelligence to investigators, helping to identify high-level players within the fraud network.
A pivotal moment in the investigation occurred during a Trilogy Media sting. The YouTubers delivered a decoy package to a California address, leading them to confront Zhiyi Zhang, also known by his alias “Cream Pablo.” On video, Zhang confessed to collecting packages for cash. Law enforcement later confirmed his identity, linking him to at least $1.8 million in fraudulent activity. Zhang was subsequently arrested on August 19, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport, marking a critical takedown in the vast money laundering operation.
The comprehensive investigation, spearheaded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, in collaboration with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS-Criminal Investigations, executed over a dozen search warrants. Authorities successfully seized $4.2 million in bank funds and several luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz G63, a Porsche Panamera, and a GMC Yukon Denali, all believed to be proceeds of the illicit activities.
All 28 defendants now face severe conspiracy charges for mail and wire fraud, as well as money laundering. These charges carry potential penalties of up to 40 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines, reflecting the gravity of their financial crimes against vulnerable senior citizens.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon lauded the unique partnership, stating, “Not all heroes wear capes. Some have YouTube channels.” He affirmed the commitment of his office to leveraging cutting-edge law enforcement techniques to secure justice for victims defrauded by organized crime, especially those targeting the elderly.