An extensive investigation by Sonoma County Sheriff's detectives culminated in the apprehension of two Sacramento residents, Anh Phan and Nguyet Nguyen, on large-scale mail theft and fraud charges. According to a social media post by the Sonoma Sheriff, these arrests transpired following the initial detention of a woman in eastern Santa Rosa on multiple felony warrants, which subsequently unveiled a vast counterfeit operation.
During the arrest made months ago, detectives found incriminating evidence hinting at check fraud, and eventually, a network of suspects emerged. Among these were Phan and Nguyen, who had been crafting counterfeit USPS mail keys distributed to Bay Area culprits engaging in mail theft. Investigators believe the stolen mail was then funneled back to Phan. Phan, along with creating forged documents and fake identities for others to exploit in cashing checks and using stolen credit cards, a scheme that went undetected until the cards were canceled. Reportedly, over time, he swindled tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars from hundreds of victims.
The investigation reached a pivotal point last Thursday, when detectives executed search warrants at the residences of Phan and Nguyen in Sacramento. The operation resulted in the recovery of substantial evidence, including "hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, personal checks, and fraudulently created credit cards," as revealed by the Sonoma Sheriff. The duo was later arrested at a local casino where they were found with additional proof of identity theft.
Phan and Nguyen faced the Sonoma County Jail after their arrest, with Phan's bail initially set at $150,000 and Nguyen's at a slightly lower $100,000. Having posted bail, they are currently awaiting their court proceedings.
