Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces Seizure of $1.5 Million in Cryptocurrency from Chinese National who Defrauded Floridian

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit successfully seized cryptocurrency valued at $1.5 million USD in a money laundering case against a Chinese national.

“While scammers are changing their methods, I am proud of our Statewide Prosecutors’ ability to adapt and deliver justice,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I want to thank our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for their continued dedication and for making this fraudster’s victim whole again.”

The investigation started in July 2024 after a report was filed with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, a Citrus County resident, reported he had been scammed out of $47,421 USD through an internet-based investment scheme.

As a result of the investigation, Tu Weizhi, of China, was charged with Money Laundering, Grand Theft, and Organized Scheme to Defraud. If Weizhi ever attempts to enter the U.S., he will be arrested. The seizure was conducted under the Fugitive Disentitlement Act.

A seizure warrant was filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit to recover Weizhi’s entire cryptocurrency wallet, valued at approximately $1.5 million, which contained AVAX (Avalanche), DOGE (Dogecoin), PEPE (Pepe), and SOL (Solana) cryptocurrency tokens.

Cryptocurrency-related crimes are on the rise. If you believe you have been the victim of fraudulent activity, you may file a complaint at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

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