Eyewitness News first reported the theft scheme on April 18, when two suspects, Houjie Lin and Yi-Hsun Wu, were arrested on March 30 at a retail store in Buda, Texas, for allegedly committing gift card tampering at stores including Walgreens, CVS, and Dollar Tree. During the arrest, a search of the suspects' vehicle led to the discovery of 80 tampered gift cards, two Taiwanese passports, and a glove box filled with rubber bands, according to investigators.
SEE ORIGINAL STORY: More than 3,000 gift cards recovered in elaborate Houston, Austin area theft scheme
Now, a third arrest has been made in the case involving another suspect, identified as Hsai Lin, who was apprehended at an Austin-area hotel room on April 1, according to officials. Authorities said that more than 3,000 compromised cards were found at the scene.
Authorities said that the suspects entered the United States using Taiwanese passports, rented a vehicle in Austin, and started a base of operations in the Houston area. The suspects also visited more than 20 locations per day over a five-day period, investigators said.
Officials said the three suspects have been charged with fraudulent possession of gift cards, a first-degree felony. Additionally, law enforcement said they recovered 11,563 gift cards and that the operation prevented about $5,699,650 in financial losses to consumers.
"This investigation highlights our commitment to protecting both the financial security of our citizens and the integrity of our local economy," Capt. Jeff Headley of the FCIC said. "Organized retail crime of this nature targets everyday Texans. By disrupting these rings, we are not only stopping millions of dollars in potential fraud but also ensuring that consumers can have confidence in the products they purchase at our local retailers."