Man Charged in Alleged Chanhassen Scam Involving Nearly $92,000 in Gold
Carver County Jail Booking Photo
Published:October 6th, 2026
CHANHASSEN : A man has been charged in connection with an alleged scam in which a Chanhassen resident was convinced to convert nearly $92,000 into gold after being falsely told that money in her name had been linked to child sexual abuse material, firearms and sex trafficking.
Kai-Chun Hu, 24, was arrested after authorities say he showed up at a location in Chanhassen where investigators had arranged for someone connected to the alleged scam to collect the gold. According to the criminal complaint, Hu identified himself as “Mike” and provided a passcode that had previously been established for the pickup.
Hu has been charged in Carver County District Court with felony aiding and abetting attempted theft by swindle. The charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both.
According to the complaint, the investigation began Sept. 28 after the Carver County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspected scam involving a Chanhassen resident.
The resident told investigators she received alerts on her computer containing a phone number purportedly associated with Microsoft. After calling the number, she allegedly spoke with a person identifying himself as “Henry Harvin,” who obtained remote access to her computer.
The complaint alleges the resident was told her computer was connected to a purchase involving child sexual abuse material. She was later transferred to another man identifying himself as “Kamp Parker,” who allegedly claimed to be with the Federal Trade Commission.
According to the complaint, Parker told the resident approximately $300,000 had been removed from an account in her name and used in connection with child sexual abuse material, firearms and sex trafficking.
The resident was allegedly told she could be charged as an accomplice and needed to convert between $90,000 and $120,000 into gold to protect her money.
Authorities say the resident went to two stores and attempted to convert approximately $91,825 into gold. She received gold from one store and provided a check to another before realizing she was likely being scammed, according to the complaint.
Investigators then arranged for the resident to continue communicating with the alleged scammers.
As part of the investigation, a detective obtained photographs from a gold seller showing approximately $80,000 worth of gold coins and provided the images to the caller when requested, the complaint states.
After several calls, authorities say arrangements were made for a courier to collect the purported gold on Oct. 2.
According to the complaint, the resident was instructed to obtain a receipt from her previous gold purchase, write specific words on it and provide proof to the alleged scammers. A passcode was also established that the person picking up the gold was supposed to provide.
The meeting was ultimately arranged at Fido’s Pantry in Chanhassen, according to the complaint. The resident was allegedly told that a man identified as “Mike” would meet her and was instructed to remain on the phone until he arrived.
A Carver County detective posed as the resident and went to the arranged meeting location.
Authorities allege Hu arrived, identified himself as “Mike” and provided the expected passcode. He was then arrested and transported to the Carver County Jail.
During a post-arrest interview, Hu told investigators he was from Taiwan and had been visiting Atlanta, according to the complaint. Hu allegedly said a friend in Taiwan contacted him through Telegram and asked him to go to Minnesota to pick up an item.
Hu also told investigators that the friend provided money to book the trip and that messages concerning the transaction had recently been deleted from Telegram, according to the complaint. He allegedly said he remained on the phone with the individual until he was supposed to meet someone and provide the passcode.
The allegations contained in a criminal complaint are accusations and have not been proven in court. Hu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.