DELTA COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – After several months of investigation, the Michigan State Police (MSP) has arrested a Wisconsin man who scammed an Escanaba resident out of more than half a million dollars.
In July 2026, the MSP Gladstone Post opened an investigation into a reported scam. An Escanaba man had spoken with the suspect, who posed as a cryptocurrency investor. The Escanaba man thought he was investing in Bitcoin. On one occasion, he met with the suspect and gave him more than $500,000 in U.S. currency. After that, an additional $165,000 in cash was mailed via FedEx to an out-of-state address. In total, the victim sent approximately $665,000.
The investigation identified the suspect as 34-year-old Zhong Jiang, who had resided in Orland Hills, Illinois. He was alleged to have committed similar crimes out of state and had suspected connections to organized crime. The case was sent to the Delta County Prosecutor, who issued a felony arrest warrant.
MSP extradited Jiang from Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he was being held on similar charges. On October 19, Jiang was arraigned on one count of larceny by conversion of $100,000 or more. His bond was set at $400,000 cash/surety.
“This was great work by the detectives and troopers, along with everyone who assisted on this case,” said Lt. Ben Eckola, MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer. “Unfortunately, scams like this can happen anywhere and anyone can be targeted. If you’re unsure if something is legitimate, contact your local law enforcement before sending money. We’re happy to talk with you, answer your questions, and try to help prevent something like this from happening to you.”
MSP was assisted by the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office, Escanaba Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, the Delafield (WI) Police Department, the Waukesha County (WI) Sheriff’s Office, and the Internal Revenue Service.
