Three New York City men will miss Christmas in the Big Apple after their arrest by the Special Problems Unit this week for numerous offenses in North Stafford.

On December 18th First Sergeant D.F. Purcell, Jr., Deputy M.A. Pearce and Deputy E.C. Taylor were investigating a retail fraud case spreading across several states when they learned the suspects were at the Target in Stafford Market Place. The group was suspected of purchasing expensive Apple electronics and then replacing the item with a cheap replica device. The suspects would then repackage the item, apply a new security tag and return the ersatz electronics for a gift card or refund.

Based on their investigation, the deputies arrested the first suspect as he completed the fraudulent transaction. The second suspect witnessed the apprehension and made an unsuccessful attempt to flee. The third suspect was detained as he went toward the getaway car in the parking lot.

The suspects have been identified as Rui Lin, 24, Hong Liu, 23, and Sheng Chen, 24. Charges include obtaining money by false pretenses, conspiracy, possession of stolen property with intent to sell and possession of controlled substances. The trio was placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The deputies seized a total of $91,413 in stolen goods including 96 iPads, 37 Air Pods, 4 series 9 Apple watches and 9 Apple Watch Ultra 2’s. Counterfeit items seized included 87 Air Pods, 49 watch bands, 9 iPads, and 44 series 9 Apple watches.

Great work by the Special Problems Unit to shut down this crime ring!