Queens DA Warns of Chinese Police Impersonation Scams
Officials urge residents to stay alert as an extortion scheme involving fake international legal threats targets the community.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz is warning the local Chinese community about scammers impersonating police officers to extort money. Authorities recently arrested Bingming Zhang in connection with a $350,000 extortion scheme.
Why it matters
The scheme relies on fear by convincing victims that they face arrest and extradition for alleged insurance fraud in China. Scammers use spoofed phone numbers and fraudulent documents to maintain the illusion of legitimacy.
Bingming Zhang was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on charges of criminal possession of stolen property and faces five to 15 years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to return to court on November 6.
The players
Melinda Katz
She is the Queens District Attorney responsible for overseeing the prosecution of cases within the borough.
Bingming Zhang
He is the 29-year-old defendant arrested in connection with the extortion scheme.
The details
The defendant was taken into custody at a Flagstar Bank branch in Fresh Meadows after a victim was instructed to transfer money and provide false explanations to bank staff. Scammers initially contacted the victim in July 2026, posing as officials to demand payments for supposed legal issues abroad.
Timeline
July 6, 2026: Victim received initial phone call from scammers.
July 13, 2026: Victim sent $300,000 to the defendant's bank account.
July 26, 2026: Victim attempted to access a frozen bank account.
August 15, 2026: Bingming Zhang was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court.
November 6, 2026: Scheduled court return date for Bingming Zhang.
Legal Context
This case follows a documented pattern where criminal networks exploit fear of foreign legal systems to commit financial fraud. Law enforcement agencies frequently track these scams as part of broader initiatives to prevent financial exploitation within immigrant communities.
Residents are advised to be skeptical of any unexpected calls demanding payment to avoid arrest or legal trouble in China. If you receive such a call, contact the District Attorney office or local police rather than providing financial information.
The takeaway
Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a law enforcement official through official agency phone numbers. Never wire money to unknown accounts, even if instructed to do so by someone claiming to be an authority figure.
What happens next
Bingming Zhang is expected to return to court on November 6.
Further reading
For more information on preventing fraud, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by QNS.
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