Identity theft suspect arrested in Northville
Jian-Wei “Juan” Li, 40, was arrested following a multi-day surveillance operation that uncovered his involvement in more than 25 fraudulent tap-to-pay incidents at Meijer stores, dating back to May 2025, according to police reports. The scheme impacted retailers throughout Metro Detroit and nationwide, officials said.
The investigation began Nov. 11, police responded to multiple reports of an unidentified male suspect perpetrating the tap-to-pay scheme in local Meijer stores. The Michigan Attorney General/Michigan State Police Focused Organized Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team and Northville Township Police arrested Li following a multi-day surveillance operation, according to official reports.
Investigators determined that Li was participating in a tap-to-pay scheme involving organized groups who load stolen or compromised U.S. credit card accounts into mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. He used these to purchase goods, including Apple devices, gift cards and other easily resold merchandise. He then shipped them out of state or overseas, police said.
Northville police investigators conducted intensive physical surveillance of Li, who was staying at a local hotel and driving a 2019 Mercedes SUV. Over the course of three days, investigators documented Li conducting more than 60 attempted transactions using more than 40 different card numbers across Meijer, Best Buy, Speedway, Lululemon, Macy’s, Home Depot and Trader Joe’s locations, police said.
On Nov. 18, Li was taken into custody leaving a Best Buy store without incident.
Following the arrest, investigators executed multiple search warrants. A search of Li’s hotel room recovered large quantities of gift cards, receipts for iPad purchases and documentation of declined transactions.
On Nov. 20, Li was charged through the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office with three 5-year felonies of identity theft. Offiicals said he was arraigned last Sunday and given a $100,000 cash bond and would be required to be on a GPS tether if bond is posted.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 1.
