LOS ANGELES – Four Chinese nationals were sentenced Monday for their roles in a scheme that used stolen identities to defraud U.S. retailers of at least $1.2 million, officials stated.
According to authorities, a fifth co-conspirator was previously sentenced to over four years in prison, while a sixth awaits sentencing.
The defendants stole victims’ personal information, including Social Security numbers and addresses, to create fake driver’s licenses. They used these IDs to access credit at major retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson:
- Kar Kee “Steven” Cheung, 36, Chino Hills – 42 months for visa fraud, possession of ID-making equipment, and conspiracy to commit fraud.
- Qian Guo, 37, Chino Hills – 33 months for possession of ID-making equipment and conspiracy to commit fraud.
- Chongming “Ming” Wang, 28, Temple City – 18 months for conspiracy and aiding fraud over $1,000.
- Jiaozhu “Yanny” Yan, 30, Alhambra – 12 months and one day for visa fraud.
Previously, Sizhen “Rachel” Liu, 35, Chino Hills, was sentenced to 50 months for conspiracy and fraud exceeding $1,000.
The final defendant, Hyun Woo “Scott” Jung, 30, Ontario, pleaded guilty on February 10 to conspiracy and possession of false IDs. His sentencing is set for May 5.