Sinjuan Song, a 31-year-old resident of Alhambra, California, was arraigned before Judge Todd Fox of the 51st District Court in Waterford on March 20 for allegedly running a large-scale gift card fraud operation, according to an announcement by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Song faces one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, which carries a potential 20-year sentence, and two counts of possession of a fraudulent financial transaction device, each punishable by up to four years.
The case highlights growing concerns about organized retail crime affecting both businesses and consumers. According to Nessel, “Organized crime syndicates are increasingly conducting large-scale retail fraud here in Michigan and across the country, harming not only retailers but consumers looking to purchase gifts for loved ones.” She said she is proud of the work her FORCE Team does with Michigan State Police and the Postal Inspection Service to stop these illegal schemes.
Song is accused of being part of an organized group that distributed tampered gift cards at several Meijer stores in southeast Michigan during March 2025. The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation with support from the Attorney General’s Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team and Michigan State Police. Authorities allege that scammers steal unsold gift cards from stores, record their redemption numbers after tampering with them, then return them to shelves. Once activated by unsuspecting shoppers, funds are quickly transferred out before recipients can use them.
Nessel previously released a video warning Michiganders about such scams and offering tips on how to avoid becoming victims. Song was given a $500,000 cash or surety bond and must remain in Oakland County while surrendering his passport. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 31 at 2:30 p.m.
The FORCE Team was established in January 2023 by Nessel to target criminal organizations stealing products from retailers for resale. It is described as the first unit of its kind nationwide with embedded staff from the Department of Attorney General working alongside law enforcement partners such as the FBI’s Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force and corporate partners including Meijer, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Target, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Rite-Aid, Lululemon, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, and Lowe’s.
According to the official website, the Michigan Department of Attorney General advances social efforts through actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations. The department also focuses on serving residents through public service initiatives and protection measures according to its official website. Dana Nessel has served as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to official records. The department exercises statewide authority to safeguard residents as reported by its website and influenced policy by drafting laws such as Clean Slate in 2019 for expungement opportunities according to its official site.
A reminder from authorities states that all criminal charges are allegations until proven in court; defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty.
