Knox County, TN – A Knoxville man is in custody after authorities allege he played a key role in a sophisticated Bitcoin scam that has targeted multiple residents in Knox County.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after numerous reports from victims who said they had fallen prey to a scam operation led by foreign nationals. Detectives allege that local individuals were used to facilitate the scheme, which resulted in substantial financial losses for those affected. Officials say victims believed they would receive large Bitcoin payouts, but were first required to pay taxes or fees up front.
On Thursday, Knox County Sheriff’s Office detectives arranged a meeting with the suspects to recover additional funds. According to law enforcement, the meeting took place at a business on Maynardville Highway, where detectives arrested 29-year-old Lee Kah Poh without incident.
Authorities allege Poh is linked to a wider network involved in orchestrating the fraudulent scheme. He is currently being held at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility and faces charges of fraud, theft by deception, and conspiracy to commit a financial crime, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives say the scam lured victims by promising large financial rewards in exchange for up-front payments, with many losing significant sums before reporting the crime. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation Knoxville Office for its assistance with the investigation.
Officials are urging anyone who may have information about the alleged scam or who has experienced a similar incident to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 865-215-2243.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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