PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) —  Two individuals have been charged for being involved in online scams targeting Rhode Island seniors, according to United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. 22-year-old Jirui Liu of Scarborough, Ontario has been charged with with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. 22-year-old Kush J. Patel, 22, of Bridgeport, CT, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. It is alleged that Liu participated in a scheme that caused a 79-year-old man to turn over to $35,000 in cash and gold bars valued at $130,000 to members of the conspiracy. Patel allegedly participated in a scam that defrauded a Rhode Islander of nearly $200,000. Both have been detained and did appear in court. Categories: News