A massive international fraud network that stole more than $65 million from seniors across the United States has been dismantled with the help of YouTube vigilantes.
Federal prosecutors in San Diego announced on August 27 that 28 alleged members of a Chinese organized crime group were indicted for running a global fraud and money laundering scheme. The group allegedly worked with call centers in India to target elderly victims with fake tech support and refund scams.
According to court filings, the operation had been active since at least 2019. Scammers posed as government officials, bank employees, or tech support agents, convincing victims they had received accidental refunds and pressuring them to send money back.
Victims were tricked into handing over cash, wire transfers, and even gift cards. Among them was a 97-year-old San Diego woman, the widow of a Holocaust survivor, who lost her entire savings.
“This investigation dismantled a predatory criminal organization that carried out a complex fraud scheme, manipulated victims throughout the country, and cost victims their hard-earned life savings,” Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations explained.
YouTube vigilantes bust massive $65M international fraud organization
What made this case unique was the involvement of scambaiting YouTubers. Pierogi, known as Scammer Payback, and creators from Trilogy Media carried out sting operations between 2020 and 2021.
They posed as victims, recorded scam calls using virtual machines, and even confronted suspects on camera. Their footage helped investigators identify high-level players in the network.
One sting proved crucial. Trilogy Media delivered a decoy package to a California address, where they confronted Zhiyi Zhang—also known as “Cream Pablo.” On video, Zhang admitted he was collecting packages for cash. Law enforcement later confirmed his identity, linking him to at least $1.8 million in fraud. He was arrested on August 19, 2025, at Los Angeles International Airport.
Zhiyi Zhang is among 27 others charged in the $65M scam ring takedown.
The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California alongside the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS-Criminal Investigations, resulted in over a dozen search warrants. Authorities seized $4.2 million in bank funds and several high-end vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz G63, a Porsche Panamera, and a GMC Yukon Denali.
All 28 defendants face conspiracy charges for mail and wire fraud as well as money laundering, carrying penalties of up to 40 years in prison and millions in fines.
“Not all heroes wear capes. Some have YouTube channels,” U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said. “Our office will continue to be on the cutting edge of law enforcement techniques to ensure justice for vulnerable victims who have been defrauded by Chinese organized crime.”
