According to this Boston Herald story, 38-year-old Weldong Xu scammed friends and co-workers out of more than $600,000. He claimed he was raising the money to help launch a SARS research institute in China, but he allegedly pocketed the money.
Well, not quite. According to police, Xu decided to parlay his scam into big winnings by sending it all to a Nigerian e-mail scammer who promised him $50 million profit.
Source:
Scientist nabbed for SARS scam: Cops: Suspect bilked pals. Jennifer Rosinski, Boston Herald, March 31, 2004.