Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Vietnamese Internet Crime Ring Has Possible Links to Minnesota

A Vietnamese internet crime ring under investigation for a number of white collar crimes including fraud, money laundering and identity theft may have a connection to Minnesota. The federal investigation is being conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security and is called “Operation eMule.” The crime ring uses hundreds of stolen identities to swindle thousands of dollars from online retailers. Two 22-year-old college students from Winona State University have been linked to the ring by investigators.

According to federal investigator the Vietnam based internet crime ring uses stolen identities to open online accounts with PayPal, eBay and financial institutions. After the online accounts are set up, they are used to sell expensive goods at discounted prices. The sellers from the crime ring obtain the goods they sell by purchasing goods from online retailers like Amazon and Dell with stolen financial accounts. Once the individuals who had their identities stolen realize their financial accounts were used to purchase goods in their name, they dispute the charges with the online retailers who then foot the bill of the scam artists.

The two students from Winona State University have been linked to the internet crime ring as “eMules” or electronic money mules. Money mules use stolen identities to open up financial accounts in the United States and wire received money to accounts that are based abroad and owned by crime ring. One student is linked to opening 24 eBay accounts and opening 56 other accounts under stolen information. Around $247,000 was transferred through these accounts. The other student is linked to opening 310 PayPal accounts and 157 eBay accounts also with stolen identities. Around $1million was transferred with these accounts. A supervisory agent with the FBI has said that often eMules are tricked into participation because they are recruited through seemingly legitimate online job postings.

Source: Star Tribune, “Cyber Crime Trail Leads to Winona State Students,” Dan Browning, 1/1/11

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.