The Office of Senator Stephen Chan Working in Collaboration With Law Enforcement Partners in Online Scam Sting Operation Resulting in Two Arrests
Brooklyn, NY — The Office of Senator Stephen T. Chan is highlighting the successful collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the Senator’s office that led to the arrest of individuals involved in an alleged large-scale financial scam targeting a Brooklyn resident.
The investigation began when a constituent contacted Senator Chan’s office seeking assistance in filing a police report after falling victim to what appeared to be an online business investment scam involving a fraudulent TikTok retail operation.
According to the victim, he was interested in starting an online TikTok retail shop and responded to what appeared to be a legitimate advertisement connected to the TikTok platform. Communications initially began through the platform before moving to WhatsApp, where the victim was introduced to individuals claiming to be “TikTok team executives.”
The perpetrators allegedly convinced the victim to invest substantial amounts of United States Currency and Bitcoin, to “stock” and operate the online store. The victim was provided with what appeared to be an active online retail site displaying sales activity and account growth.
When the victim later attempted to withdraw funds from the account, he was unable to access or transfer the monies from the account . The perpetrators allegedly continued pressuring the victim to invest additional monies and Bitcoin , claiming he would receive profits and ownership percentages from other local TikTok shops.
At that point, the victim contacted Senator Chan’s office for assistance.
Drawing upon Senator Chan’s experience as a 27-year veteran of the NYPD, including working as an undercover investigator in the Organized Crime Control Bureau, investigating complex criminal activity, his law enforcement instincts immediately recognized that the ongoing contact with the perpetrators presented a rare opportunity for investigators to intervene proactively rather than react after additional losses occurred. Senator Chan’s office quickly coordinated with law enforcement partners to help facilitate a targeted sting operation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible.
Senator Chan subsequently coordinated with the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office to assist in facilitating a law enforcement sting operation.
Investigators directed the victim to inform the perpetrators that additional money was available for pickup. When the suspects arrived at the victim’s residence to retrieve the purported funds, NYPD officers conducted the operation and placed two individuals under arrest. The operation was conducted on May 6, 2026, in the confines of the 62nd Precinct and resulted in the arrest of the following perpetrators: Nattawat Lertprasobsuk and Karn Sooksatra. They are currently in NYPD custody.
Authorities indicate the victim suffered losses exceeding $400,000 in US Currency and Bitcoin. Senator Chan emphasized the growing sophistication and danger posed by online scams, particularly those that involve in-person pickups at victims’ homes.
“This case highlights the evolving tactics being used by perpetrators targeting hardworking New Yorkers,” said Senator Chan. “I commend the outstanding work of the NYPD Financial Crimes Unit, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their swift coordination and professionalism. I also want to recognize the courage of the victim for coming forward and assisting law enforcement in preventing others from potentially becoming victims of similar scams.”
Senator Chan’s office is encouraging constituents to exercise caution when investing in online business opportunities promoted through social media platforms or messaging applications.
Anyone who believes they may be the victim of a financial scam is encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately.