A Broward County resident has been brought to justice for his role in a brazen international wire fraud scheme that targeted senior citizens living in the United States.
Mikhail Gorbachev George Williams, 26, of Fort Lauderdale, was sentenced to 71 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in the fraudulent international lottery scheme.
According to court documents, Williams and his co-conspirators sent letters and made multiple telephone calls to the victims, falsely telling them they had won a lottery/sweepstake contest. The victims were then induced to send thousands of dollars to cover bogus fees, taxes, and insurance for the fraudulent lottery winnings.
The scheme, which emanated from Jamaica, targeted elderly victims throughout the United States, with victims paying Williams by wire transfers, money orders, U.S. currency, and checks.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and ICE-HSI, who worked tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Williams pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on January 23, 2015. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertha R. Mitrani.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our most vulnerable citizens from these types of crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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