Two Chinese nationals indicted in California kidnapping and extortion plot
- The two men were charged in the disappearance of a luxury car dealer – another Chinese national who is believed to have died during his abduction
- The suspects were arrested in China where they remain in custody
Two Chinese nationals have been indicted on federal kidnapping and extortion charges in the disappearance of a Costa Mesa, Calif., luxury car dealer – another Chinese national who is believed to have died during his abduction and whose body has never been found.
Guangyao Yang, 25, and Peicheng Shen, 33, who were living in West Covina, were indicted by a federal grand jury February 22, the US attorney’s office announced this week. Both men were charged with kidnapping, conspiracy to kidnap, attempted extortion and threat by foreign communication.
Yang and Shen were arrested in China and remain in custody there for their role in the crime, authorities said.
“We are working with our law enforcement counterparts to seek justice in this case,” FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.
Authorities said Shen, who was using an alias at the time, met with Ruochen “Tony” Liao, 28, several times under the pretence that he would help him collect a debt.