Two Chinese nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Pierce for their alleged involvement in a gift card fraud scheme that targeted grocery stores across South Florida. The indictment, returned on August 14, charges Cao Yuan Liu, 22, and Linghan Chen, 26, with conspiracy and possession of 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices.
Court records indicate that on December 16, 2024, Liu and Chen entered a grocery store where they removed gift cards from the aisle, tampered with them by cutting out or scratching off PIN and identification numbers, and then returned the compromised cards to the display. Once customers purchased and activated these cards, Liu and Chen were able to access the funds.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Liu and Chen leaving the store in a black Bentley SUV with New York license plates. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at their residence the following day, seizing numerous gift cards—including some that had been flushed down the toilet. A subsequent search of their vehicle on December 23 uncovered additional gift cards.
Investigators have identified about 42 grocery stores throughout Florida that were affected by this scheme.
If convicted, both defendants face up to 15 years in prison.
“U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami made the announcement.”
“HSI Fort Pierce and Martin County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.”
“Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Lineberger is prosecuting this case.”
Further details about related court documents can be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or through http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-14043.
