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ESCANABA -- After several months of investigation, the Michigan State Police (MSP) have arrested a man who allegedly scammed an Escanaba resident out of more than a half million dollars.
According to a press release from Michigan State Police, the MSP Gladstone Post opened an investigation into a reported scam. An Escanaba man had reportedly been in conversation with the person who posed as a crypto currency investor. The alleged victim told police he thought he was investing in Bitcoin. On one occasion he met with the suspect and gave the him more than $500,000 in U.S. currency. After that, an additional $165,000 in cash was mailed via FedEx to addresses out of state. In total, approximately $665,000 in U.S. currency had been given or sent by the victim. Police said in the press release, the suspect was not a legitimate investor or broker but rather was alleged to be a scammer.
The investigation identified the suspect as 34-year-old Zhong Jiang who had resided in Orland Hills, Illinois. The suspect was alleged to have committed similar crimes out of state and had suspected connections to organized crime. The case was sent to the Delta County Prosecutor for review who issued a felony arrest warrant.
MSP extradited Jiang from Waukesha, Wisconsin where he was being held on similar charges for alleged crimes in Wisconsin. Jiang was lodged in the Delta County Jail. On Monday, Jiang was arraigned in the 94th District Court on one count of Larceny by Conversion $100,000 or More. Bond was set at $400,000 cash/surety and the case is due in court again on October 29, 2026. The defendant is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
State Police were assisted by the Delta County Prosecutor's Office, Escanaba Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, Delafield (WI) Police Department, Waukesha County (WI) Sheriff's Office, and the Internal Revenue Service.
"This was great work by the detectives and troopers, along with everyone who assisted on this case," said Lt. Ben Eckola, MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer. "Unfortunately, scams like this can happen anywhere and anyone can be targeted. If you're unsure if something is legitimate, contact your local law enforcement before sending money. We're happy to talk with you, answer your questions, and try to help prevent something like this from happening to you."