Identity Thieves Hit Mass. Dealerships for $500K+

BOSTON – A brazen identity theft and auto fraud ring has been busted in Massachusetts, with eight individuals charged with stealing the lives of Puerto Rican citizens to finance a luxury car shopping spree. The crew allegedly swiped identities, forged documents, and walked away with late-model vehicles worth at least a half million dollars, many of which were then shipped overseas. This wasn’t a local operation; coordinated charges have also been filed in New Jersey and Ohio, revealing a widespread network of deceit.

Federal prosecutors allege that between October 2017 and January 2019, the defendants systematically targeted Massachusetts car dealerships, applying for 100% financing using completely fabricated identities. The scheme relied on stolen biographical information, coupled with fake Puerto Rico driver’s licenses and Social Security cards – enough to fool lenders and drive off in new cars. Beyond the vehicles, the group is accused of illegally opening bank accounts and running up credit card debt using the stolen information.

Ricardo Acevedo, 31, of Manchester, N.H., faces charges of false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud, allegedly using stolen identities to secure loans and purchase three cars totaling $90,582. Joshua Cruz, 32, also of Manchester, N.H., is charged with the same offenses, having allegedly purchased three vehicles worth $170,288. Cruz is already behind bars, serving time on related state charges. Jose Irizarry, 44, of Union City, N.J., is similarly charged and remains in custody following previous state charges in New Jersey, accused of a $140,124 car haul.

The net tightened further with the arrests of Neida Lopez, 43, of Methuen, Mass., charged with aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud after allegedly racking up $21,931 in charges on a stolen credit card. Arialka Moya, 31, of Lowell, Mass., is charged with false representation of a Social Security number and wire fraud for a $60,982 vehicle purchase. Alvin Rivera, 37, of Haverhill, Mass., played a supporting role, allegedly providing stolen identities to others, and faces multiple charges including aiding and abetting. Iyaury Rodriguez, 39, of Reading, Penn., and Wanda Sanchez, 36, of Lawrence, Mass., are also charged with the same federal offenses, with Rodriguez linked to $98,432 in fraudulent purchases and Sanchez to $50,962.

This wasn’t a haphazard operation. Authorities say the scheme was carefully coordinated across multiple states, with parallel investigations underway in the District of New Jersey, the State of New Jersey and the Northern District of Ohio. The investigation was spearheaded by Homeland Security’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a multi-agency team dedicated to dismantling these kinds of identity-based criminal enterprises.

The DBFTF, comprised of experts from local, state, and federal agencies, is sending a clear message: exploiting stolen identities for financial gain won’t be tolerated. As the investigation continues, expect more details to emerge about the scope of this fraud and the potential for additional arrests. This case highlights the ever-present threat of identity theft and the lengths criminals will go to profit from the misfortune of others, leaving victims to grapple with ruined credit and the headache of reclaiming their stolen lives.