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Three Arrested in Large-Scale Mail and Identity Theft Ring in Tulare
Suspects allegedly targeted community mailboxes across Tulare, Fresno, and Madera counties
Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:23pm
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Tulare police have arrested three individuals - Stephen Yang, Kou Vang, and Xai Xiong - in connection with a large-scale mail and identity theft operation that targeted community mailboxes across Tulare, Fresno, and Madera counties. The arrests came after a spike in mailbox break-ins over the past six to seven months, leading to a police investigation that uncovered over 300 pieces of stolen mail, credit cards, IDs, and other identity theft materials at several homes linked to the suspects.
Why it matters
Mail and identity theft can have serious consequences for victims, leading to financial losses, damaged credit, and the hassle of resolving fraudulent activity. This case highlights the organized nature of such crimes and the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat these issues in local communities.
The details
Police traced the investigation to 40-year-old Stephen Yang, who had previously been arrested for similar crimes in 2024. Yang was found with 48-year-old Kou Vang, another suspect, during a traffic stop. A search of Yang's car uncovered counterfeit mailbox keys. Investigators then identified three homes in Fresno that were being used to store stolen mail and identity theft materials. In the subsequent searches, police arrested Yang, Vang, and a third suspect, 35-year-old Xai Xiong. Over 300 pieces of stolen mail, credit cards, IDs, and other items were recovered from the homes.
- Over the past six to seven months, Tulare police have seen a noticeable increase in community mailbox break-ins.
- On January 8, 2026, around 2 a.m., officers spotted the suspect vehicle near Prosperity Avenue and Mooney Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop.
- On January 9, 2026, detectives searched the suspect vehicle and found counterfeit mailbox keys inside.
- About a week later, the suspect vehicle was released from evidence and picked up by Yang.
- On January 29, 2026, police served search warrants at three homes in Fresno and arrested the three suspects.
The players
Stephen Yang
A 40-year-old man who had previously been arrested in 2024 for similar crimes and was found to be part of the mail and identity theft ring.
Kou Vang
A 48-year-old man who had previously been arrested with Stephen Yang and was found to be part of the mail and identity theft ring.
Xai Xiong
A 35-year-old man who was also arrested and found to be part of the mail and identity theft ring.
What’s next
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) will take possession of the recovered mail with Fresno addresses to continue the investigation.
The takeaway
This case highlights the organized nature of mail and identity theft crimes, and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat these issues in local communities. Victims of such crimes can face serious financial and personal consequences, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect residents.
