https://undercoverist.org/seven-arrested-in-20-million-money-laundering-scheme-on-long-island/

Nassau County authorities arrested seven men Thursday in connection with a massive $20 million money laundering operation across Long Island. The scheme involved the men using fraudulently obtained gift cards to purchase and resell merchandise, primarily plumbing supplies.

Surveillance footage from Home Depot and Lowe’s stores throughout Nassau County shows the men purchasing over $3 million worth of items, including copper pipes, steel cables, and hot water heaters.

“This is one of the largest money laundering cases my office has prosecuted,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.

Donnelly explained that the men swindled mostly elderly residents by tricking them into purchasing gift cards. The scam involved computer spyware that blocked victims’ screens or sent fake text messages claiming their identities or financial information were compromised. Victims were instructed to buy gift cards from Home Depot and Lowe’s to avoid financial charges or arrest.

The extensive 15-month investigation also uncovered 12 box trucks filled with $650,000 worth of stolen merchandise, alongside $100,000 in cash and high-end jewelry and handbags.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder noted, “I witnessed it as they unloaded the trucks the other day. Our chief of detectives was in a suit, unloading the trucks.”

Investigators identified 36-year-old Sky Cunhang Lin of Flushing, Queens, as the group’s leader. Lin appeared in surveillance footage over 100 times.

All seven men were charged with money laundering and conspiracy, with potential sentences of up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Authorities are still searching for five additional individuals linked to the operation.