Investment Scam Courier Sentenced After Belleville Man Loses $2.5 Million
Shenghan Jin received 27 months in federal prison for his role in an investment fraud conspiracy that used fake accounts, cryptocurrency and gold transactions.
BENTON – A district judge sentenced a Chinese national to 27 months in federal prison for acting as a courier in an investment scam.
Shenghan Jin, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.
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“A Chinese national who should have been gone in 2022 was still here in 2025, abusing our immigration system and helping fleece a Belleville man of his life savings. After Jin finishes his well-deserved prison sentence, he will be immediately deported,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Uncharged members of the conspiracy began speaking with the victim online in May 2024. Court documents explain the conspirators gained the victim’s trust and then began discussing investment strategies and opportunities. Conspirators instructed the victim to wire money to fake accounts and purchase gold bars. Jin was arrested when he arrived at the victim’s home to pick up gold in July 2025.
“Anyone who is succeeds in using lies and tricks to lure seniors into phony investments deserves prison. We count every fraudster who is caught and imprisoned a win for the American people,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson of the Kansas City Field Office.
In total, the victim is estimated to have lost approximately $2.5 million through cryptocurrency, wire transfers and physical gold transactions.
Jin was in the country on a student visa that expired in 2022. Following imprisonment, Jin will be deported.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard prosecuted the case.
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