Travel Fraudster Sucich Nabbed in Mexico After 4 Years on the Run

PITTSBURGH, PA – A four-year international manhunt ended Monday with the arrest of Nicolas Frank Sucich, 47, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Sucich is accused of a brazen scheme to defraud Liberty Travel and Scotiabank, racking up approximately $267,000 in fraudulent charges. The arrest was a joint effort between Mexican authorities and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Sucich, also known as Francisco Javier Alavarez-Johnson, was named in a 37-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh back in August 2013. The indictment details a conspiracy spanning from November 2007 to February 2011, where Sucich allegedly purchased airline tickets and funded travel using an unauthorized Scotiabank MasterCard. He had been living in Cuidad de Tuxpan, Veracruz, Mexico, evading U.S. authorities.

Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced the arrest, stating that Sucich faces serious federal charges: conspiracy to commit fraud, mail fraud, and access device fraud. If convicted on all counts, Sucich could face a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison. Each count of wire fraud carries a potential fine of $1,000,000, while each access device fraud count carries a fine of $250,000 and a five-year prison sentence.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines will ultimately determine the actual sentence imposed, taking into account the severity of the crimes and Sucich’s prior criminal history, if any. The investigation, led by HSI, painstakingly pieced together the evidence needed to secure the indictment and, finally, Sucich’s capture. Sources within HSI indicated the investigation involved tracing fraudulent transactions across multiple international borders.

Sucich made his initial appearance today in federal court in the Southern District of Florida, marking the first step in his extradition process back to Pennsylvania to face the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting the case, vowing to seek full accountability for Sucich’s alleged actions. The government maintains a firm commitment to pursuing those who attempt to defraud American businesses and financial institutions.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is simply an accusation. Sucich is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, providing updates on the proceedings and any further developments in the pursuit of justice.