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Documents reveal fraud case against Arcadia-based Gemcoin, a cryptocurrency investment scheme. The Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) ultimate goal is to make Gemcoin chief Steve Chen return alleged fraudulently acquired millions with interest, pay hefty fines, and ban him from the securities business.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34329
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
October 8, 2015
Pages
p. 1, 16
More detail
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
October 8, 2015
Pages
p. 1, 16
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34522AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia firm GemCoin proves it owns amber mines in Caribbean, backing E-currency (cryptocurrency), despite earlier claims those mines did not exist. Still, there is no evidence GemCoin's digital currency had any revenue backing it beyond the funds generated from investors, according to court-appointed company tasked with going through U.S. Fine Investment Art Inc.'s books. Investigators found 300 acres of land in Dominican Republic, with a working mine, purchased for $373,000 in the name of CEO Steve Chen's brother Yan Chen.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34724
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
November 23, 2016
Pages
p. A1, A6
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
November 23, 2016
Pages
p. A1, A6
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Chen, Yan
Cryptocurrency
Gemcoin
U.S. Fine Investment Art Inc.
Item ID
34916AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

SEC reports show Gemcoin, USFIA were set up to 'defraud investors.' USFIA claimed it had amber mines, millions in precious gems, and other assets to back up its digital currency called Gemcoin, but none of that was real.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34499
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
March 20, 2016
Pages
p. A5
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
March 20, 2016
Pages
p. A5
Subjects
Chen, Steven
Cryptocurrency
Fraud
Gemcoin (company)
Liu, Long Z.
Ponzi scheme
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Wuo, John
Zhao, Jennifer aka Zhao, Li
Item ID
34691AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

A recent report filed in federal court says Gemcoin's scam collected $164 million. Initially, investigators linked Gemcoin to $32 million in fraudulent investment. Steven Chen, his company U.S. Fine Investment Arts Inc., and Gemcoin (digital currency backed by precious gem reserves and amber mines) are accused of a "worldwide pyramid scheme."

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34615
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
July 24, 2016
Pages
p. A7
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
July 24, 2016
Pages
p. A7
Subjects
Chen, Steven
Crime and Criminals
Fraud
Gemcoin
Seaman, Thomas
U.S. Fine Investment Arts Inc.
Item ID
34807AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia firm US Fine Investment Arts (USFIA) is charged in fraud. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleges operator used GemCoin in a worldwide pyramid scheme, allegedly bilking investors out of $32 million.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34317
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 3, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A6
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 3, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A6
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34510AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Troubles mount in GemCoin (digital currency) scheme. Arcadia company is accused of scamming investors out of millions in a pyramid scheme since 2013, possibly earlier. Arcadia Councilman John Wuo denies any involvement, even after YouTube videos surfaced showing him at Gemcoin marketing events.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34318
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 2, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A6
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 2, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A6
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
Johnson, Leonard Stacy
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Zhao, Weiwen (Wayne)
Item ID
34511AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

GemCoin ruled a pyramid scheme by federal judge.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34775
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
January 5, 2017
Pages
p. 1, 11
More detail
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
January 5, 2017
Pages
p. 1, 11
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin
Ponzi scheme
Item ID
34966AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Federal receiver released report #2 saying there is no indication USFIA's Gemcoin was legitimate.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34493
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
March 10, 2016
Pages
p. 1, 23
More detail
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
March 10, 2016
Pages
p. 1, 23
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Fraud
Gemcoin (company)
Ponzi scheme
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34685AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Feds seize assets of US Fine Investment Arts (USFIA), a company that sells GemCoin, a digital currency that is purportedly backed by amber and other precious gems. Arcadia City Councilman John Wuo has denied any connection to the company. Securities and Exchange Commission served a temporary restraining order against USFIA and CEO Steven Chen. USFIA is under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding investors.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34316
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 30, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 30, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34509AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia company Gemcoin, a digital currency or "cryptocurrency," has been using Arcadia City Councilman John Wuo's image on its website and marketing materials. John Wuo denies any endorsement of Gemcoin.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34234
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
July 2, 2015
Pages
p. 1, 12, 13
More detail
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
July 2, 2015
Pages
p. 1, 12, 13
Subjects
Allied Financial Group
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin
U.S. Fine Investment Arts
Wuo, John
Item ID
34428AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Bradbury man Steve Chen, CEO of U.S. Fine Investment Arts, Inc. Gem Coin, and other companies, allegedly conspired to commit fraud with his Arcadia-based marketing company, to plead guilty. He promised potential investors gemstones from their mines along with valuable digital currency. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 4, February 27, 2020.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper35675
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
February 21, 2020
Pages
p. A4, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
February 21, 2020
Pages
p. A4, A4
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Crime and Criminals
Cryptocurrency
Fine Investment Arts, Inc.
Gem Coin
Collection
Newspaper Index
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Arcadia Gem Coin mastermind Steve Chen sentenced to 10 years in prison. One of Arcadia’s largest financial scandals in 2015 involved cryptocurrency and a host of well-known public officials, including a former Arcadia mayor, for involvement in a Ponzi scheme that ultimately shut down the operations of the Arcadia business known as U.S. Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA).

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper35891
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
January 14, 2021
Pages
p. 2
More detail
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
January 14, 2021
Pages
p. 2
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Cryptocurrency
Gem Coin
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

New York's Carnegie Hall hosts young musicians from San Gabriel Valley's Classical European Music Academy Los Angeles (CEMALA). A list of young people who performed include a few from Arcadia--Allen Chen, Andrea Li, Evan Girard-Sun, Farrah Chan, Halley Wang, Ngai Zou, and Sunny Xu.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper36500
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
June 25, 2023
Pages
p. A3, A8
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
June 25, 2023
Pages
p. A3, A8
Subjects
Chan, Farrah
Classical European Music Academy Los Angeles (CEMALA)
Chen, Allen
Girard-Sun, Evan
Li, Andrea
Musicians
Wang, Halley
Xu, Sunny
Zou, Ngai
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia couple Edward Chen, aka Jianqiao Chen, Jian Qiao Chen, and Jian Chen aka Jing Jiang and Jean Jiang, accused of fraud involving defrauding investors through EB-5 visa schemes. The couple's companies raised more than $22.5 million from 45 Chinese investors, purportedly to build an interior design center in Ontario and a condominium building in Los Angeles. See also "Arcadia couple faces court hearing for stealing $12 million," Arcadia Weekly, p. 1,3 October 5, 2017.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34970
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 30, 2017
Pages
p. A3, A8
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 30, 2017
Pages
p. A3, A8
Subjects
Chen, Edward
Chen, Jian Qiao
Chen, Jianqiao
Crime and Criminals
Jiang, Jing
Jiang, Jean
Fraud
Item ID
35160AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia-based company US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. is under investigation by state and federal agencies as it faces allegations from investors that it swindled them out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The company has connections to Arcadia Councilman John Wuo.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34311
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 16, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 16, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc.
Wuo, John
Yang, Solomon
Item ID
34505AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

GemCoin (cryptocurrency, digital currency) investors share fraud concerns with Arcadia City Council. Councilman John Wuo declined to respond to accusations of wrongdoing and their call for his resignation from council. Former Arcadia council member Floretta Lauber defended John Wuo.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34322
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
September 17, 2015
Pages
p. 1, 16, 17
More detail
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
September 17, 2015
Pages
p. 1, 16, 17
Subjects
Arvizu, David
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34516AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC) may fine Arcadia's disgraced former mayor John Wuo $2000 for his failure to report certain financial rewards from his participation in the now infamous Gemcoin scam.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34719
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
November 17, 2016
Pages
p. 12
More detail
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
November 17, 2016
Pages
p. 12
Subjects
Arcadia mayors
Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC)
Gemcoin
Wuo, John
Item ID
34911AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Monrovia man Yi Chen gets 4 years in prison for fraud in a student visa scheme to get Chinese immigrants into the U.S. unlawfully. From June 2015-February 2021, Chen was the CEO and owner of two so-called educational consulting companies in Alhambra and Arcadia that charged foreign students thousands of dollars for "guaranteed" admission to a college that would lead to the issuance of an F-1 student visa. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 2, October 6, 2022.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper36335
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 5, 2022
Pages
p. A3
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 5, 2022
Pages
p. A3
Subjects
Chen, Yi "Brian"
Crime and Criminals
Fraud
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

The coroner's spokesperson Craig Harvey, says an autopsy has confirmed that Li Zhu died of asphyxia, and the death was ruled a suicide. Li Zhu was a 68-year-old Arcadia man found hanging in his jail cell on January 8. He was arrested on suspicion of fatally stabbing his daughter-in-law, Xiaolin Li, in the 900 block of Arcadia Avenue.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper33729
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
January 15, 2014
Pages
p. A5
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
January 15, 2014
Pages
p. A5
Subjects
Crime and Criminals
Deaths
Li, Xiaolin
Li, Zhu
Murders
Suicides
Item ID
33925AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Feds raid US Fine Investment Arts (USFIA) offices in Arcadia; Wuo's connections under more scrutiny.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34328
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
October 1, 2015
Pages
p. 1, 16
More detail
Newspaper
Arcadia Weekly
Date
October 1, 2015
Pages
p. 1, 16
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34521AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

20 records – page 1 of 1.