Canadian Scammer Vinnik Admits to PPE & Ticket Fraud

OKLAHOMA CITY – A brazen scheme to exploit the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic and profit from stolen identities has landed a Canadian national in federal court. ROBERT VINNIK, 29, of Ontario, Canada, pleaded guilty this week to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, admitting his role in a sophisticated operation that stretched across international borders.

The case, spearheaded by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations, reveals a calculated plot to use pilfered credit card information and personal data to purchase high-demand goods and event tickets. A federal grand jury initially indicted Vinnik and four other Canadian co-defendants on June 15, 2021, with a 10-count Superseding Indictment. Vinnik and Steven Mesrop, 32, also faced charges of aggravated identity theft. The indictment detailed how the group targeted U.S. businesses struggling to meet the surge in demand for personal protective equipment at the height of the pandemic.

According to court documents, Vinnik and his crew weren’t just after masks and gloves. They allegedly used the stolen financial information to acquire everything from nitrile gloves, masks, and gowns – reselling them for a quick profit – to tickets for major sporting events. The scheme wasn’t limited to the U.S.; investigators traced activity to the Dominican Republic, Spain, Greece, and Dubai. Notably, the group targeted venues like Madison Square Garden in New York City. In Oklahoma, they managed to purchase over 1,800 tickets to Oklahoma State University athletic events between November 2019 and January 2020, using 21 alias email accounts and data from 52 stolen credit cards. They also scored approximately $18,000 worth of toilet paper from an Oklahoma City supplier in March 2020.

Vinnik’s guilty plea on June 14, 2024, confirms he knowingly conspired with others to use stolen data for illicit purchases. He now faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000. He isn’t the only member of the conspiracy facing consequences. Steven Mesrop has already been sentenced to 80 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Dijon Cornelius Shepard, 30, received a 20-month sentence, also with three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Mirna Mahrous Habib, 27, was handed a four-month sentence and one year of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Karin Treister, 27, will pay $30,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the same charge.

The investigation, a collaborative effort involving the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and the Irvine (California) Police Department, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection, underscores the reach of modern fraud schemes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry is leading the prosecution. This case serves as a stark reminder that even international criminal networks can be brought to justice, especially when agencies work together.

Details regarding the case can be found in public filings. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on any further developments.