Authorities Arrest Man for Impersonating IRS Agent and Extorting Victim
A 31-year-old man from Arcadia, California, identified as Ziquan Ou, has been arrested on charges of impersonating an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent and extorting over $20,000 from a victim. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced the incident on Sunday, detailing the fraudulent activities that led to his apprehension.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation commenced on May 1, when officers from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of fraud in the 2300 block of Kips Korner. Upon arrival, deputies interacted with the victim, who reported that a person claiming to be from the IRS had threatened them, alleging that their financial accounts had been compromised. Following this claim, the victim was coerced to transfer approximately $20,000.
In a striking twist, the suspect, Ou, contacted the victim again, insisting that further payments were necessary and offering to personally collect the funds.
Arrest and Evidence Collection
While Ou arrived at the predetermined location to meet the victim, law enforcement was present and took him into custody without incident. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed incriminating evidence, including:
- A firearm
- Multiple identification cards
- Narcotics
Additional Investigations and Concerns
Authorities suspect that there may be more victims affected by Ou’s deceptive scheme. They are encouraging anyone who might have additional information to reach out to Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Acost at the Norco Sheriff’s Station, available at 951-270-5673.
Legal Consequences
Ou has been booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center and faces multiple charges related to fraud and narcotics possession. He is awaiting further legal proceedings as the investigation continues.
Conclusion
This case highlights the growing concern of scams and impersonations targeting unsuspecting individuals. Authorities remain vigilant in addressing such fraudulent activities to protect the community.