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Ismael Brito Ramirez, 38, Charged in Fake Kidnapping Ransom Extortion Scheme
A federal grand jury in Houston, Texas, has returned a 13-count indictment against Ismael Brito Ramirez, a 38-year-old Mexican national, for allegedly running a fake kidnapping ransom extortion scheme that targeted nearly 40 victims in multiple states, including Texas, California, and Idaho.
According to the indictment, Ramirez would call victims using Mexican telephone numbers, falsely claiming to have kidnapped a family member, typically a child, and demand ransom money for their safe release. In some cases, he threatened to harm the family member or child if the victim refused to comply with his demands.
Two victims were allegedly instructed to make money drops at specified locations in Houston on Sept. 17, 2015, and Sept. 30, 2015. They were told their daughters had been kidnapped because they had witnessed a crime, and that if they failed to comply with the caller’s instructions, their daughters’ fingers would be cut off.
The indictment alleges that the victims paid a total of approximately $28,000. Ramirez is charged with conspiracy to commit extortion, interstate transmission of extortionate communications, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder money, all of which carry a possible 20-year-maximum prison term upon conviction.
Ismael Brito Ramirez is currently incarcerated in Mexico on unrelated charges. The FBI – Los Angeles Field Office, IRS – Criminal Investigation, and local police departments, including those in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles, conducted the investigation along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Suh, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
U.S. Attorney Ryan J. Patrick warned victims not to fall prey to such scams, saying, “It is important for people to be aware of these types of schemes and report them even if they know they are fake. Extortionists count on victims’ fear during the calls and embarrassment afterwards to not notify authorities and it is imperative they do so, whether falling victim or not. If you get a call like this, hang up and contact your loved one and law enforcement immediately.”
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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