The Michigan Attorney General/Michigan State Police Focused Organized Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team and Northville Township Police announce the arrest and arraignment of Jian-Wei “Juan” Li, a 40-year-old California resident, following a multi-day surveillance operation that uncovered his involvement in an extensive tap-to-pay identity theft scheme impacting retailers throughout Metro Detroit and nationwide.

The investigation began Nov. 11 after it was reported that an unidentified male suspect, believed to be Li, had been involved in more than 25 fraudulent tap-to-pay incidents at Meijer stores dating back to May 2025. 

A Sophisticated Identity Theft Operation

Investigators determined that Li was participating in a tap-to-pay scheme involving organized groups who load stolen or compromised U.S. credit card accounts into mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. He used these to purchase goods, including Apple devices, gift cards and other easily resold merchandise. He then shipped them out of state or overseas.

Investigators conducted an intensive physical surveillance of Li, who was staying at a local hotel and driving a 2019 Mercedes SUV. Over the course of three days, investigators documented Li conducting more than 60 attempted transactions using more than 40 different card numbers across Meijer, Best Buy, Speedway, Lululemon, Macy’s, Home Depot and Trader Joe’s locations.

On Nov. 18, Li was taken into custody leaving a Best Buy store without incident.

Following the arrest, investigators executed multiple search warrants. A search of Li’s hotel room recovered large quantities of gift cards, receipts for iPad purchases and documentation of declined transactions.

On Nov. 20, Li was charged through the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office with three 5- year felonies for Identity Theft. He was later arraigned and received a $100,000 cash bond.