Opinion ID: 1442968
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Transportation of Persons in Execution of Fraud/Travel Fraud

Text: Zheng contends there was insufficient evidence to support her conviction for transportation of persons in execution of fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2314. She argues the money claimed to have been obtained by fraudulent means did not move in interstate or foreign commerce. Zheng claims the record shows Chi and Lian borrowed money in China to pay part of their $6,000 processing fees and paid the money to the recruiting firm in China. Because the money allegedly stayed in China, Zheng contends the elements of travel fraud cannot be met. Further, Zheng contends Chi and Lian paid less than $5,000.00 prior to leaving China, which is the minimum amount required to constitute a violation of the travel fraud statute. Zheng's argument is without merit. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, a rational jury could have found Zheng violated 18 U.S.C. § 2314. The evidence supported a finding that Zheng used false promises to induce Chi and Lian to travel from China to the CNMI with the intent to defraud Chi and Lian of $6,000. The evidence further supported a finding that the money came from China and ultimately reached Zheng in the CNMI. Thus, we conclude there was sufficient evidence to support Zheng's conviction for transportation of persons in execution of fraud.