GAITHERSBURG, MD – A 19-year-old Brooklyn resident, Zhenyong Weng, has been arrested on charges of defrauding an 82-year-old Silver Spring woman through a government-imposter gold bar scam. Montgomery County Police apprehended Weng on Monday, July 15, while he attempted to collect a package valued at over $70,000 from the victim.
The scam began in early May when the victim was instructed by an unknown caller to transfer her assets into gold bars to supposedly protect her money from being seized by Russia. The elderly victim complied, ultimately handing over gold bars worth over $900,000.
The arrest was the result of a collaborative effort by Montgomery County Police 1st District officers, the Financial Crimes Section, and the Violent Crimes Information Center. Following his arrest, Weng has been held without bond.
Police believe there could be more victims of this scam and have issued a reminder to the community that legitimate law enforcement officials would never contact citizens in such a manner.