The South Whitehall Township Police Department has charged two New York men following an investigation into an organized fraud scheme that resulted in an elderly township resident surrendering approximately $550,000 worth of gold.

Police said Jiwan Chen and Tianhang Zhou are facing charges of theft, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, criminal use of a communication facility, financial exploitation of an older adult and criminal conspiracy.

Police said their investigation of the case began on June 30 after they learned the victim had been contacted by individuals falsely claiming to represent financial institutions and the Federal Trade Commission.

The individuals allegedly told the victim that the victim’s identity and Social Security number had been compromised and instructed the victim to purchase gold bullion in order to protect personal assets.

Police said over approximately six weeks, the victim surrendered approximately $550,000 worth of gold during four separate deliveries to couriers at locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. The individuals primarily communicated with the victim through WhatsApp and allegedly instructed the victim to keep the transactions secret.

Police said as the investigation continued, detectives coordinated a scheduled pickup involving an additional package represented to contain approximately $133,000 worth of gold.

They said Chen approached the victim and took possession of the package, at which time Chen was immediately taken into custody by officers.

At approximately the same time, officers stopped a white Honda bearing New York registration as it was leaving the area. The driver was identified as Zhou.

Police said it was established that Chen and Zhou had traveled together from New York to Lehigh County in connection with the scheduled pickup. Investigators also recovered cellular devices and additional evidence as part of the investigation.

Detective Tyler Doherty is the lead detective assigned to the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing as South Whitehall Township Police detectives work to identify additional individuals believed to be involved in the fraud scheme.

Police remind residents legitimate government agencies and financial institutions will not direct individuals to purchase gold, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or other valuables and surrender them to a courier for safekeeping. They said residents should be especially cautious of anyone who claims that money or other assets must be moved immediately to prevent their loss, instructs them to keep transactions secret from family members or financial institutions, or arranges for a courier to collect cash or valuables.

Police said anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a similar fraud scheme is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.