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South Florida Identity Thieves Target 30K+ Victims, Face Federal Charges
MIAMI, FL – Over 100 individuals are facing federal charges in a sprawling network of identity theft, fraud, and theft schemes impacting over 30,000 stolen personal identities and an intended loss exceeding $60 million. The announcement, made today by a coalition of federal and local law enforcement agencies, reveals the scope of a criminal enterprise that has plagued South Florida for years.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer, alongside Special Agents from the IRS-CI (Kelly R. Jackson), FBI (George L. Piro), Miami Dade Police Department (Juan P. Perez), TIGTA (Timothy Camus), DOL-OIG (Rafiq Ahmad), ICE-HSI (Mark Selby), USSS (Brian Swain), USPIS (Antonio J. Gomez), and SSA-OIG (Margaret Moore-Jackson), detailed the charges stemming from 81 separate cases. The schemes range from intrusions into government databases to the wholesale theft of customer account information, encompassing Social Security, unemployment benefits, retail credit cards, and bank accounts. Skimming devices were also heavily utilized in the operation.
The investigation began in August 2012 with the formation of the South Florida Identity Theft Refund Fraud Strike Force, initially focused on combating stolen identity tax refund scams. While those schemes subsided, the criminal activity evolved, necessitating a broadening of the Strike Force’s focus – now known as the Stolen Identity Fraud (SIF) Strike Force. The SIF Strike Force is now tackling a wider array of crimes fueled by stolen Personal Identifying Information (PII). This isn’t just about tax refunds anymore; it’s a systematic dismantling of lives and financial security.
“Law enforcement will not stand by as criminals attempt to disrupt our lives, steal our savings, ravage our credit, and compromise our government benefit programs through calculated and pervasive fraud schemes,” stated U.S. Attorney Ferrer. The charges represent a significant escalation in the fight against identity theft in the region. Since 2012, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged over 600 defendants, responsible for over $400 million in intended losses. This isn’t a victimless crime; it’s a full-scale assault on the financial well-being of countless Americans.
George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Field Office, emphasized preventative measures. “I urge everyone to take steps to protect their personally identifiable information (PII) from criminals who seek illicit profits through stolen identity fraud,” he said. “Learn how you can protect your PII at FBI.GOV or FTC.GOV.” The FBI and its partners are committed to actively pursuing these fraudsters, holding them accountable for their actions.
Kelly R. Jackson of IRS-CI underscored the agency’s dedication to combating identity theft in South Florida. “Today’s announcement reinforces law enforcement’s continued commitment,” Jackson stated. The IRS is actively strengthening its systems and processes to better protect taxpayers from these predatory schemes. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated as authorities continue to untangle the web of criminal activity. The Grimy Times will continue to provide updates as this case develops.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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