A senior Homeland Security Investigations official outlined details of a large-scale fraud case involving gift cards and international criminal activity, while lawmakers raised concerns about the impact on victims and national security.

During an exchange with Rep. Ashley Hinson, Todd Lyons described how HSI identified and dismantled what he said was the largest gift card fraud operation uncovered by the agency, involving networks operating across international borders.

“What we've found is that it's key for HSI to have the ability to work International,” Lyons said. “And that is with our partnership, again, as I spoke earlier about in the Indo Pacific region, that is key right now.”

Lyons said the investigation revealed connections to transnational criminal organizations tied to the Chinese Communist Party, which he described as a significant threat.

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“The CCP is a huge threat, as well as their transnational criminal organizations that have come over here to just wreak havoc,” he said.

According to Lyons, the operation involved collecting money through fraudulent gift card schemes in the United States and transferring those funds overseas.

“I'll give you an example,” Lyons said. “HSI actually broke the largest gift card fraud case ever.”

He said the proceeds from the fraud were routed back to entities in China.

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“And it was from transnational gangs within the CCP that were sending that back money back to military units in China,” Lyons said.

Lyons said the funds originated from victims in the United States who were targeted through scams.

“And that all came from gift card fraud here in the United States,” he said.

Mrs. Hinson said that the scope of the scheme extended beyond financial losses and raised broader concerns.

“So we're literally funding our own adversaries through that fraud,” Hinson said.

Lyons also discussed how individuals connected to the operation entered the country, referencing broader border and enforcement issues.

“Yes, and it was unfortunately military age Chinese males that entered under the last administration for the poorest border,” he said.

He said the amounts involved in individual transactions were often small but added up over time.

“That were able to go and something as simple as credit gift card fraud,” Lyons said. “We're just supplying small amounts, whether it be $20, $15 back to the People's Republic of China, and that was huge.”

Rep. Hinson focused on the victims affected by the fraud schemes, noting that those targeted often have limited financial resources.

“And that's all coming from people who can afford it the least, right?” Hinson said.

She said she has spoken directly with individuals who have been impacted by such scams.

“I've talked to some of these people who've been victims of fraud,” Hinson said.

Hinson described the effect of the schemes on communities, particularly among older Americans.

“And it is incredible what these transnational organizations are doing to take advantage of our most vulnerable,” she said.

She added that the issue has been observed in specific regions, including her home state.

“Many of them senior citizens in places like Iowa, who are taken advantage of,” Hinson said.

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