Moving Scam Kingpin Gets 8 Years

Hollywood, FL – Arvaham Zano, 36, is headed to federal prison for eight years after pleading guilty to orchestrating a nationwide moving scam that preyed on families during stressful relocations. Zano and his co-conspirator, Sofein Mlayah, 28, systematically defrauded customers, inflating costs and then refusing to deliver belongings unless hefty, last-minute payments were made. The result? Millions in losses and countless households left with nothing.

Zano ran the operation through two companies, including Zano Moving and Storage, LLC, using them as fronts to appear legitimate while systematically ripping off customers. Working with various moving brokers, Zano would secure jobs, load up trucks, and then hold clients’ possessions hostage. Once the goods were under his control, he’d demand significantly more than the original estimate – often two or three times the agreed-upon price. Those who balked at the inflated fees faced the complete loss of their deposits and, more importantly, their life’s possessions.

The scam wasn’t just about extortion; it was about disappearing. After extracting additional funds or simply refusing to negotiate, Zano would abandon the loaded trucks at self-storage facilities across the country, effectively erasing any trace of the victims’ belongings. Recovery efforts have been largely unsuccessful, with the vast majority of the stolen household items remaining unrecovered. The feds believe the operation spanned multiple states, impacting hundreds of vulnerable families.

Federal prosecutors secured a guilty plea from Zano on charges of wire fraud, interstate transportation of stolen property, and failure to relinquish possession of household goods. The sentence isn’t just about punishment; it’s about restitution. Zano has been ordered to forfeit $334,499.73 and pay a staggering $2,877,497.35 in restitution to his victims. This financial burden is shared with Mlayah, who previously received a 30-month sentence for his role in the scheme.

Mlayah’s lighter sentence reflects his perceived level of involvement, but the feds made it clear that all participants in such schemes will be held accountable. The investigation, conducted by the FBI, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, highlights the collaborative effort required to combat interstate fraud. This case sends a clear message: preying on people during a major life transition will not be tolerated.

While the eight-year sentence offers some measure of closure for the victims, the financial and emotional scars of this scam will likely linger. The Grimy Times will continue to track restitution efforts and report on any attempts by Zano or Mlayah to recover assets. Consumers are urged to thoroughly vet moving companies and be wary of significantly low estimates, a common tactic used by fraudulent operators. Always get a detailed, written contract and avoid paying large upfront deposits.”