Home / Crime and Justice / US Customs Supervisor Accused of Trading CPUs for Credit
US Customs Supervisor Accused of Trading CPUs for Credit
12 Sep
Summary
- Supervisor allegedly swapped computer parts for Newegg trade-in credit.
- Surveillance footage caught him removing components at midnight.
- He replaced valuable parts with older, less efficient components.
A supervisor with US Customs and Border Protection in Calais, Maine, is facing charges for allegedly engaging in a scheme to defraud by trading government-owned computer components for personal credit. Terry Liu, 39, was arrested after an investigation revealed that numerous computers had their valuable parts, including CPUs and RAM, replaced without authorization.
The scheme came to light in December when IT staff noticed unauthorized modifications to agency computers. An investigation, including the installation of surveillance cameras, identified Liu as the perpetrator. Footage allegedly showed him bringing desktop PCs into a training room at midnight and swapping components with older ones purchased online.
Liu reportedly targeted Intel Core i7-14700 CPUs, valued at approximately $200 each through Newegg's trade-in program. He admitted to using CBP computer parts for the trade-in, initially claiming he aimed to improve efficiency but later conceding he knew the changes degraded system performance. He cited anger over slow IT repairs as his motivation.
The financial impact of Liu's alleged actions is significant. Replacing the stolen parts is estimated to cost $20,460, while replacing all 46 modified computers would amount to $105,800. Liu is currently detained awaiting trial, charged with theft and destruction of government property, each carrying a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
