Attorney General Becerra Announces Charges, Indictment Against Operators of $100,000 Identity Theft Scheme in Alameda County

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced a 142-count indictment against Zenney Nguyen, Sourasith Singharath, Caroline Hahn, and Marcus Jackson for allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from individuals and businesses throughout Alameda County. The defendants are accused of impersonating victims to access their bank accounts and acquire credit cards which were then used to make fraudulent purchases in the victims' names. Over the course of this scheme, the defendants stole over $100,000 from more than 30 individuals and businesses, according to the indictment.

Trial for all defendants is set for September 24, 2019 in Alameda County. Yesterday, Marcus Jackson and Caroline Hahn were arraigned.

"Identity theft is a sophisticated crime that ruins the lives of Californians who fall victim to it," said Attorney General Becerra. "We intend to do our part to hold perpetrators accountable. The financial security of Californians and the businesses they run depend on it."

More than 30 individuals and businesses were victims of the defendants' conspiracy. The indictment asserts that the defendants possessed hundreds of victims' personal identifiable information obtained through the dark web. The defendants allegedly drained victims' personal bank accounts and opened credit card accounts in the victims' names. Specifically, the defendants allegedly used victims' information and accounts to purchase and re-sell thousands of dollars worth of smartphones. The indictment further alleged that the defendants also used victims' credit to rent and purchase vehicles. In total, the defendants were indicted on 142 counts of Identity Theft, Grand Theft, Attempted Grand Theft, Burglary, and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft.

The indictment, filed by Attorney General Becerra in Alameda Superior Court, follows an 18-month investigation conducted by the Fremont Police Department.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A copy of the indictment is available here.