HUACHUN ZHENG, a Chinese citizen residing in Queens, New York, was sentenced on Apr. 2 to 30 months in prison for his role in a vehicle theft and identity theft scheme, according to United States Attorney David X. Sullivan for the District of Connecticut.
Zheng’s case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of stolen identities in financial crimes targeting businesses and individuals. Authorities say such schemes can result in significant losses for both victims whose information is stolen and businesses defrauded by fraudulent purchases.
Court documents show that Zheng, who did not have legal status in the United States, worked with others to obtain personal and financial information from multiple identity theft victims. Using this information along with counterfeit or stolen identification cards, they applied for loans at a car dealership in Greenwich to purchase or lease luxury vehicles. The group then transported these vehicles to New York with the intention of reselling them.
On September 27, 2022, Zheng used a stolen identity to secure $94,742.73 in financing for a 2019 Porsche Panamera from the Greenwich dealership. The dealership later repossessed the car after discovering the fraud before it could be resold. Other members of Zheng’s group also obtained financing through similar means at the same dealership.
Further investigation revealed that Zheng was involved in additional fraudulent activities using stolen identities. He was arrested on September 10, 2022, in Nassau County, New York while driving a Maserati purchased under another victim’s name as part of an unrelated jewelry purchase scam involving fraudulent checks.
Zheng has been detained since January 28, 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026 to one count each of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. After serving his sentence he will face immigration proceedings.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with help from local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado is prosecuting the case.