Last week, authorities in Wolcott, CT, successfully arrested a 28-year-old man from Flushing, New York. Xiallong Wang was apprehended during a sting operation on charges including criminal attempt at second-degree larceny, first-degree telephone fraud, and criminal impersonation. According to Wolcott police, Wang is part of a scam that operates through a fake BingX website, claiming to transfer cash into cryptocurrency for purchasing gold. A male victim was lured into an online relationship via random text message by a female. The victim was instructed to invest in gold using the fraudulent BingX account and suffered a loss of approximately $60,000.00.

Investigation and Sting Operation

Wolcott Police Det. Robert Virgulto initiated an investigation after the victim reported the loss to the department. A sting operation was set up to have the suspect come to the victim's residence in Wolcott to collect more money. When he arrived, he was promptly placed under arrest. This operation showcases the determination of the local police force in combating such criminal activities.

Details of the Scam

The fake BingX website used in the scam is a sophisticated tool designed to deceive unsuspecting victims. It presents a false sense of security, making it difficult for people to realize that they are being targeted. The enticement through an online relationship added an extra layer of deception, making the victim more vulnerable. The fact that the victim lost a significant amount of money highlights the seriousness of this type of crime and the need for increased awareness and vigilance.

Immigration Status and Legal Proceedings

After Wang informed police that he is a Chinese immigrant, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was notified of his arrest. It was discovered that Wang was in the U.S. on an expired student visa. This aspect of the case raises questions about the enforcement of immigration laws and the role of law enforcement in dealing with criminal activities involving non-citizens. Wang is currently being held in lieu of bail of $150,000 and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on Jan. 8. This legal process will determine the outcome of the case and send a message to potential criminals that such actions will not be tolerated.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.