Miami – In a brazen scheme that spanned multiple continents and netted millions, a trio of money mules has been charged in a federal indictment for their role in a complex bank impersonation scam.
The defendants, Daphne De la Caridad Gonzalez, 23, of Miami, Florida, and Neovordo Gordon, 24, and Collins Oleh, 24, both of Pembroke Pines, Florida, allegedly conspired to launder millions of dollars in stolen funds, using the bank accounts of unsuspecting small business owners to funnel money to international fraudsters.
According to court documents, federal agents began investigating the scam in 2022, after discovering a pattern of bank account impersonations and suspicious wire transfers. The scheme, which was allegedly orchestrated by a group of international fraudsters, relied on the defendants to receive and transfer stolen funds, using the victims’ bank accounts to launder the money.
“Our Office is committed to dismantling criminal networks, to include those designed to inflict financial harm upon businesses and individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to disrupt money mule networks, educate consumers about scams, and prosecute criminals who defraud the public.”
The investigation, which involved the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), has resulted in the charging of the defendants with conspiracy to commit money laundering and other related offenses.
Miami U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged the defendants, who face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, for knowingly receiving and forwarding victim funds or otherwise laundering fraud proceeds. The cases are a stark reminder of the dangers of money mules and the importance of educating the public about the tactics used by fraudsters to deceive and cheat unsuspecting individuals.
“The U.S. Secret Service remains dedicated to combatting financial crimes, including those involving money mules who unwittingly aid fraudsters in scams that target businesses,” said Rafael Barros Special Agent in Charge of the U.S Secret Service, Miami Field Office. “By working closely with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to disrupting criminal networks and protecting the public from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.”
The indictment marks a significant blow to the international fraud network, which has been linked to multiple continents and is believed to have netted millions of dollars in stolen funds. The defendants are expected to appear in court on related charges in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida urges anyone who may have been a victim of the scheme to come forward and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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