GREENWICH — A man was arrested Monday in connection with a scam that defrauded a local physician of $15,000 through impersonation of federal agents, according to Greenwich Police.
Qijin Wang, 38, was apprehended during a controlled operation as he attempted to collect what he believed was $17,000 in cash from the victim.
Police said Wang tried to flee but was quickly captured by officers who had set up the sting operation in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The investigation revealed that scammers posing as DEA agents and representatives from the Office of Inspector General had falsely accused the physician of drug trafficking and demanded money under threats of arrest and prosecution.
In April, the victim handed over $15,000 to a courier, believing they were complying with federal instructions.
When the scammers demanded additional funds, the victim consulted legal counsel who alerted authorities.
Wang faces charges of criminal attempt at larceny in the second degree, conspiracy to commit larceny in the second degree, and interfering with an officer.
He is being held on a $1,000,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Stamford Superior Court.
Investigators believe the scam is connected to an organized criminal network operating from overseas call centers with domestic couriers.
Greenwich Police are urging the public, especially healthcare professionals, to be vigilant about fraudulent calls from individuals claiming to be federal agents.
