TAMPA, FL – The gravy train has hit a roadblock for two alleged masterminds behind a brazen, nationwide return fraud scheme. Federal prosecutors announced the arrests of Brock David Fischer (27, Robins, Iowa), known online as “iFruit,” and Miguel Angel Fortier, Jr. (24, Milwaukee, Wisconsin), operating under the alias “Destined.” Both men are facing an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, a crime that carries a hefty maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, led by Roger B. Handberg, is also seeking a forfeiture order to seize the ill-gotten gains from the scheme – every penny of the estimated $8 million in merchandise fraudulently obtained. Fortier made his initial court appearance on June 28, 2024, in Milwaukee and was released under conditions pending trial in Tampa. Fischer is scheduled to appear in court today in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The scheme, dating back to around December 2021, centered around gaining unauthorized access to the tracking platform of a major multinational shipping and supply chain company – the unnamed “Victim Company.” This access wasn’t just a peek behind the curtain; it was a full-blown manipulation of the system, allowing the co-conspirators to fabricate tracking information for merchandise shipped on behalf of retailers across the country. This enabled customers to pull off a classic double-dip: get the merchandise and a full refund.
Court documents reveal Fischer, Fortier, and another defendant, Matthew Frederic Bergwall (22, Darien, Connecticut), ran “the Service” – a shadowy chat room/marketplace hosted on an encrypted messaging platform. “The Service” wasn’t offering customer support; it was selling access to the Victim Company’s compromised tracking system. Customers paid for the ability to essentially steal from retailers, scoring full refunds on items like high-end electronics, jewelry, and designer goods while keeping the merchandise itself.
Over a mere five-month period, the operation facilitated nearly 10,000 fraudulent returns, bleeding victim-retailers dry to the tune of over $8 million in lost merchandise. The scale of the operation points to a sophisticated and organized effort, exploiting vulnerabilities in the supply chain for massive financial gain. This wasn’t petty theft; it was a calculated assault on legitimate businesses.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Both Fischer and Fortier are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa, with vital support from HSI Cedar Rapids, HSI Milwaukee, and the FBI’s Newark office. Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons will lead the prosecution, and Grimy Times will be there to report every twist and turn in this case.
Related Federal Cases
- Live Nation Faces Trial Over Monopoly Practices · Washington
- Amgen Pays $71M for Pushing Drugs Off-Label · Washington
- Amgen Inc. $71M Settlement · Washington
- Western Union Scam · Washington
- Live Nation & Ticketmaster Face Antitrust Fight in NY · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News