KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — A Knoxville man was arrested in Knox County Thursday night and is facing charges after he was accused of running a bitcoin investment scam that resulted in victims reporting they lost $850,000.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Lee Kah Poh, 29, was arrested at a business just off Maynardville Highway in Knox County. KCSO said during an investigation, detectives arranged a meeting with the suspects in a setup for more funds to be collected for the scam. Around 6 p.m., Poh arrived at the business, where he was taken into custody.
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The investigation began after victims reported to KCSO that they had fallen victim to the sophisticated scam led by foreign nationals, the sheriff’s office said. KCSO explained that local individuals were allegedly used to facilitate the crimes.
Court records state that victims were targeted via the app “Telegram” and told they could make a large return if they invested money into an investment business. A General Sessions docket stated that the victims reported they had lost $850,000, and that Poh contacted them on July 31 to arrange to pick up an additional $300,000.
KCSO said Poh is facing charges of fraud, theft by deception and conspiracy to commit a financial crime. He is currently being held at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility and is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on August 5.
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Anyone with information related to the investigation or similar scams is urged to report what they know to law enforcement. Suspicious activity can be reported to KCSO’s Property Crimes Unit by calling 865-215-2243.
“The Knox County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation Knoxville Office for assisting in this investigation, which has been instrumental in addressing these fraudulent activities,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
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