1. Master thief bank robbery
2. Violin theft California collectors.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A man in Irvine, California, Mark Meng, 57, is facing charges for an elaborate scheme where he allegedly posed as a serious collector to steal $300,000 worth of violins before robbing a bank to support his gambling habit. Federal prosecutors claim that Meng targeted businesses across the United States to pull off this intricate plan.
Among the five antique instruments stolen was a 1823 Lorenzo Ventapane violin valued at $175,000. Meng allegedly gained the trust of these stores by representing himself as a collector, purchasing violin bows, and asking for violin trial periods.
Bank Robbery and Surveillance Footage
The FBI was already investigating Meng for the thefts when he decided to rob a US Bank branch in Irvine on April 2. Meng approached the teller with a note demanding $18,000, displaying nervousness during the exchange. Surveillance footage from inside the bank captured Meng wearing a disguise and making his getaway in a white Toyota Sienna minivan.
Evidence and Investigation
Investigators found various pieces of evidence linking Meng to the robbery at his Irvine home, including the USA T-shirt worn during the heist. Meng made off with $446 during the bank robbery, but he was already aware of the FBI’s investigation into his wire fraud activities.
Violin Theft Scheme
Between August 2020 and April 2023, Meng orchestrated a scheme to steal high-end violins from collectors. In January 2023, he traveled to Virginia and negotiated a deal for two rare violins, the 1823 Loranzo Ventapane and a Giulio Degani from 1903, totaling $235,234. However, Meng’s check bounced, and he ceased communication with the shop owner.
Meng also resold the Degani violin to a dealer in Los Angeles for $16,000 and allegedly borrowed and sold three more violins and bows without returning them to the collectors.
Legal Troubles and Allegations
Meng used checks processed outside of California to commit these crimes, and investigators discovered his affinity for gambling. His wife split her time between California and China, while his girlfriend had to co-sign for the van purchase due to his poor credit.
Meng, posing as the CEO of Alton Global Holdings, listed his Irvine home as the company’s headquarters. The company was suspended by the Franchise Tax Board, and federal prosecutors are seeking to keep Meng in custody, considering him a flight risk.
Conclusion
Mark Meng’s elaborate schemes involving violin theft and bank robbery have landed him in legal trouble. As the investigation unfolds, Meng’s alleged actions paint a picture of deception and criminal activity that could result in a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
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– master thief bank robbery
– caught robbing bank violin thefts California collectors.
