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Police charge man in fake Chinese gold artifact scam investigation

A photo of some of the fake gold Chinese artifacts recovered by Toronto police. Toronto Police Service/Handout

TORONTO — Police have arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with a fraud investigation that involved fake Chinese gold artifacts.

Police said a Mandarin-speaking man posed as a foreign Chinese construction worker and made contact with members of the Chinese community in Toronto.

They allege that the man claimed to have discovered valuable Chinese artifacts, such as gold statues, which he then offered to sell to the victims.

Police said the man attempted to deceive people into thinking the artifacts were genuine and highly valuable, though in reality they were worthless.

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On Monday, Cuiping Yang, 49, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with attempted fraud over $5,000 and identity fraud.

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Yang is scheduled to appear in court in Toronto on Sept. 17. Police said they have reason to believe there are more victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at http://www.222tips.com, or by texting “TOR” and your message to CRIMES (274637).

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