A man who allegedly used other people’s identities to buy several luxury cars has been charged with grand larceny, identity theft, and other crimes, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Guang Jin, 33, of Queens, NY, was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on August 13, 2020. He is due back in court in September.
Jin is facing up to 12 years in prison.
The alleged crimes
In March 2019, Jin allegedly used his dying uncle’s ID to purchase and lease two Alfa Romeos from a luxury car dealership in Westbury, Long Island. According to District Attorney Katz, Jin’s uncle started to receive bills from merchants, credit card companies, and letters denying credit after Jin visited him in January 2019.
In July 2019, Jin allegedly used a forged driver’s license to purchase a 2019 Ford Mustang at a car dealership in Woodside, Queens.
In May 2020, he attempted to purchase a Mercedes Benz GLC300 using a forged driver’s license, social security card, and credit card but the sale was not completed.
The following month, Jin allegedly used the same credentials to lease a 2020 Lexus NX300.
During a search of his home, police found dozens of photo IDs and credit cards with victims’ personal information. Police also found 40 grams of methamphetamine and heroin. Jin and his companion Hua Shen, 34, were both hit with drug charges.
Shen is facing up to 9 years in prison.