One man has been charged with 11 criminal offences and is in custody following an alleged home invasion and theft of $10 million in cryptocurrency and luxury items a year ago.
On Sept. 13, 2022, multiple suspects with weapons allegedly entered the home of a middle-aged couple in north Richmond.
According to Richmond RCMP, some of the suspects impersonated police officers.
The couple were allegedly assaulted, bound and held for several hours.
Police say the suspects then fled with the $10 million in cryptocurrency and several luxury items.
The Richmond News reported on the incident last week when Richmond RCMP Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan provided an update at the community safety meeting.
RCMP have now released more details on the case.
The investigation was “lengthy and complex” and Richmond RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit took the lead with expertise from the Economic Crime Unit. They were also supported by the National Crypto Support Unit.
RCMP say a large portion of the cryptocurrency has been recovered.
“There have been many technological breakthroughs through the last five to 10 years in the digital forensics field. It has taken time and resources to mobilize and establish this type of expertise," said Richmond RCMP Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan.
"I am proud to say that we saw the need for this type of expertise in the past and hedged towards the future."
He praised the serious crimes and economic crime units for doing an "exceptional job" with the investigation, which took more than a year.
"As well, investigators have provided consistent support to the victims of this heinous act,” said Chauhan.
RCMP said victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries but were badly shaken up.
The Prosecution Service of BC has approved 11 charges against 34-year-old Jin Da Xing from Richmond.
The charges he's facing include break and enter, robbery with a weapon, unlawful confinement, use of an imitation firearm during a robbery, three counts of assault, extortion, possession of stolen property and impersonating a police officer.
Xing is currently remanded in custody and awaiting trial.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
