A Brooklyn resident faces felony charges after a Pennsylvania investigation uncovered a $65,000 liquor fraud. Eugene Antwi, 26, was arrested this week in New York. Officials say he used stolen credit cards to buy more than 200 orders of expensive liquors across the state. The scheme, which spanned August 2023 to September 2024, involved more than 200 online purchases.
The Arrest
Antwi was taken into custody by New York authorities during a routine traffic stop. The arrest followed a coordinated effort between state and federal investigators. He was transported to a New York detention facility pending further action. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General confirmed the arrest in a news release.
The arresting officers cited probable cause for identity theft and fraud. Antwi is expected to be extradited to Pennsylvania to face the charges. He has been placed in pretrial detention awaiting arraignment. No bail has been set as of the latest update.
The Charges
Pennsylvania officials list several felony counts against Antwi. These include identity theft, access device fraud, theft by deception, forgery, and related offenses. Each charge carries potential prison terms and substantial fines. The full indictment was released to the public by the Attorney General’s office.
The indictment details how Antwi used fake identities to place the orders. He also manipulated stolen credit and debit cards to authorize purchases. The fraudulent activity was conducted through online platforms linked to liquor retailers. The charges emphasize the severity of the theft against consumers and the state.
The Investigation
Investigators began probing suspicious online activity in August 2023. They traced the orders to a single IP address linked to Antwi. The investigation uncovered a pattern of repeated large purchases. Evidence was gathered from store receipts and digital records.
The investigation spanned over a year, concluding in September 2024. Law enforcement collaborated with the Pennsylvania State Police during the probe. They monitored the movement of the stolen goods across the state. The findings were compiled into a comprehensive report presented to the Attorney General.
The Scheme
Antwi used fabricated names to create multiple buyer profiles. These profiles were linked to stolen credit and debit cards. He placed more than 200 online orders for liquors priced at $65,000 total. The orders were collected at retail locations throughout Pennsylvania.
The fake identities were created using personal data stolen from various victims. They included forged identification documents. The identities were used to bypass the state’s Liquor Control Board verification. This allowed Antwi to purchase alcohol without legitimate licenses.
Stolen credit cards were obtained from victims across the country. Antwi used these cards to authorize purchases online. The fraud involved both credit and debit card information. The card data was likely sourced from data breaches.
The investigation confirmed more than 200 online orders. These orders were placed over a 13-month period. Each order was for high‑end liquors. The cumulative value exceeded $65,000.
The total value of the fraudulent purchases was $65,000. This figure represents the sum of all online orders. Antwi collected the orders at stores in 21 Pennsylvania counties. The pickups occurred across the state, as identified by surveillance footage.
The scheme involved 21 counties. These counties represent a broad geographic spread. The range indicates a coordinated effort. The counties were listed in the indictment.
The fraudulent activity began in August 2023. It continued through September 2024. The timeline covers a 13‑month period. The investigation focused on this timeframe.
Attorney General’s Statement
Attorney General Sunday said, \”This defendant went to great lengths to steal from unsuspecting Pennsylvanians and defraud the Liquor Control Board, which oversees legal purchases of alcohol in the Commonwealth.\” The statement emphasizes the defendant’s deliberate actions. It highlights the impact on the Liquor Control Board. The quote underscores the seriousness of the crime.
Sunday also added, \”Our Organized Retail Crime Section is committed to collaborating with partners like the Pennsylvania State Police to combat theft and fraud that raise the prices of goods for hardworking Pennsylvanians.\” The statement calls for partnership in fighting organized crime. It acknowledges the role of state police. The quote stresses the economic impact on consumers.
Legal Proceedings
Antwi will be arraigned on the charges in Pennsylvania. The arraignment is scheduled for a future date. He will face the full list of felony counts. The court will determine bail and preliminary hearing.
The Pennsylvania State Police are involved in the case. They assisted in gathering evidence and tracking shipments. Their cooperation is noted in the Attorney General’s release. The partnership aims to strengthen law‑enforcement efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Eugene Antwi faces multiple felony charges for a $65,000 liquor fraud.
- The scheme spanned 13 months and involved 21 counties.
- The Attorney General highlighted the role of state police in combating organized retail crime.
The case illustrates the reach of identity theft and the impact on state commerce. Authorities will continue to monitor similar fraud patterns. Consumers are advised to verify the authenticity of online orders. The outcome of Antwi’s arraignment will set a precedent for future cases.
