Wenhui Sun. Photo via MCPD.
A California man has been arrested in a gold bar scam that targeted a Leisure World resident.
Wenhui Sun, 34, of Lake Arbor, California was arrested in Montgomery County a week ago on March 18, according to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).
According to charging documents, on two separate occasions an elderly woman who lives at Leisure World wired a total of more than $789,000 to JM Bullion to purchase gold bars, which scammers arranged to pick up in Silver Spring parking lots.
The victim realized she was being scammed after the second pick-up, according to the charging documents.
She reported to police this month that in late February, she was contacted by someone who said he was with the Office of the Inspector General Federal Trade Commission. She was told she was a victim of identity theft which led to a federal investigation involving money laundering and drugs. The victim was put in contact with someone who was supposedly going to help her get a new social security number and provide her with witness protection.
The victim was told to purchase gold bars, to be placed into the U.S. Department of Treasury. She completed two separate deliveries of gold bars worth more than $789,000, according to police.
Detectives remind residents that law enforcement will never try to contact someone in this manner.
According to police, detectives identified Sun as the courier of the second delivery of gold bars.
A detective posed as the victim for a third pick-up prior to Sun’s arrest, according to charging documents. Sun was arrested, charged and is currently being held without bond. Police said a plane ticket to California dated for the day of his arrest was located in Sun’s belongings when he was arrested.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Police direct residents to more information about reporting frauds and scams here. MCPD asks anyone with information to give a tip by calling 1-866-411-8477 or visiting the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website and clicking www.p3tips.com. Up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to arrest. Tips can be anonymous.
