Two arrested in Cumberland County for multi-state PayPal scam

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two individuals were arrested after authorities discovered their involvement in a multi-state PayPal scam that targeted a local resident.

Cumberland County authorities received information regarding a potential scam victim in the area.

Upon further investigation, deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) located the victim.

The victim reported that scammers gained access to his computer and bank account remotely, disguised as a PayPal issue.

According to CCSO, the victim was manipulated into withdrawing large sums of cash and delivering the money to couriers at the direction of the scammers.

This occurred on five separate occasions, two of which money was picked up directly from the victim’s residence.

The victim was planning to withdraw $70,000 in cash to fulfill another demand from the scammer.

Because of this, CCSO conducted an operation in which investigators provided a decoy package for the victim to deliver.

CCSO stated the scammers remained on the phone with the victim throughout the setup and instructed that a password be exchanged to verify the handoff.

Investigators watched the suspects conduct counter-surveillance before finally approaching and accepting the fake package.

They were immediately arrested and taken into custody.

Hongqi Cui and Li Muxi were charged with the following:

• Theft of Property
• Evading Arrest
• Resisting Arrest

Both are currently being held at the Cumberland County Jail on a $305,000 bond.

CCSO conducted a search warrant of their vehicle, and located a torn envelope that beared the name of another potential victim.

They also found $16,000 USD hidden in the trunk.