Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit has seized $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a Chinese national accused of defrauding a resident of Citrus County.
“While scammers are changing their methods, I am proud of our Statewide Prosecutors’ ability to adapt and deliver justice,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I want to thank our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for their continued dedication and for making this fraudster’s victim whole again.”
The case began in July 2024 after a Citrus County resident reported losing $47,421 through an online investment scam. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office initiated the investigation, which led to charges against Tu Weizhi of China for Money Laundering, Grand Theft, and Organized Scheme to Defraud. Authorities say that if Weizhi attempts to enter the United States, he will be arrested under the Fugitive Disentitlement Act.
A seizure warrant filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit allowed officials to recover Weizhi’s entire cryptocurrency wallet. The wallet contained tokens including AVAX (Avalanche), DOGE (Dogecoin), PEPE (Pepe), and SOL (Solana), with a total value estimated at $1.5 million.
Law enforcement notes that crimes involving cryptocurrencies are increasing. Individuals who suspect they have been victims of fraud are encouraged to file complaints at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
