Chinese national charged in Pearl River County fraud scheme

The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, in coordination with the FBI, has arrested a suspect involved in an attempted fraud scheme targeting a local resident.

On February 18, 2025, law enforcement responded to a report of a community member purchasing a large amount of gold bars under suspicious circumstances. Investigators determined the victim had been contacted by an individual posing as a financial institution representative, falsely claiming their bank account had been compromised. The suspect convinced the victim to make significant financial transactions under the pretense of securing their funds.

During the investigation, law enforcement identified an individual who had traveled to the victim’s residence as part of the fraudulent scheme.

The suspect, Guohua Huang, a Chinese national, was taken into custody and charged with Attempt to Commit False Pretense and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. Huang could face federal charges related to the case and is also subject to deportation proceedings.

The case remains under active investigation in cooperation with federal authorities. Law enforcement urges the public to remain vigilant against scams involving financial transactions, particularly those involving cryptocurrency or high-value purchases.

If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact local authorities or the FBI.