A Brooklyn-based Instagram influencer has been arrested five times in recent weeks for allegedly defrauding some of New York City's finest restaurants out of expensive meals while boasting about her luxury lifestyle to thousands of followers online.
The Elaborate Dining Scheme
Pei Chung, 34, stands accused of visiting Michelin-starred establishments across the city, accumulating substantial food and drink bills, then refusing to settle her account. According to police reports and restaurant staff, Chung would typically offer positive social media coverage in exchange for having her bill wiped clean.
The aspiring influencer, who shares images of designer goods including Prada shoes, Hermes scarves and Louis Vuitton bags with her 13,000 Instagram followers, allegedly targeted several prestigious venues including Peter Luger Steak House, Francie and Meadowsweet in Williamsburg.
Shocking Incidents at Top Restaurants
One of the most brazen incidents occurred at Francie on October 22, where Chung racked up a $188 bill featuring $15 foie gras, $32 carpaccio, $52 lamb and $28 bucatini. Co-owner John Winterman told The New York Post that Chung behaved as though she had been hired by the restaurant for promotion and refused payment.
All her credit cards were declined when she attempted to pay, according to Winterman, who explained that any promotional agreement would need to be arranged in advance. Police allege she eventually left without settling her bill after claiming she was waiting for money from her family.
In another disturbing incident at the legendary Peter Luger steakhouse, Chung allegedly vanished for 45 minutes when payment was due and was eventually discovered hiding in the restroom. A manager reported that she then asked a waiter "is there anything else I can do for you because I don't want to pay this check" - a statement the employee interpreted as offering sexual favours in lieu of payment.
Multiple Arrests and Ongoing Behaviour
Despite her legal troubles, Chung has continued posting glamorous images of her dining experiences on social media. Her profile includes glowing reviews of the very establishments she's accused of defrauding.
In her review of Francie, she wrote: "The one-star Michelin restaurant combines architectural precision with soulful hospitality. Warm lighting, brass fixtures, and oak textures create an ambiance that feels both timeless."
Her alleged fraudulent activities extend beyond these two establishments. Police records show she also accumulated a $97 bill at Lavender Lake and left without paying, followed by a $146 meal at Peter Luger where she again refused payment.
Chung's scheme ultimately unravelled when she returned to Francie on November 7 and ordered $83 worth of food. When staff confronted her about payment, she again refused, leading to her arrest in front of surprised diners. Winterman noted that other customers immediately recognised her, commenting "Oh yeah. That's her. We know her."
The 34-year-old now faces multiple charges of theft of services as the restaurant industry grapples with how to handle influencers attempting to exchange social media coverage for complimentary meals.
