These fraudsters allegedly used information obtained from the Texas Dept. of Public Safety, but the press release gives no clue as to how they obtained it.
United States v. John Mackenley Cesar, et. al, Case No. 15-60071-CR-Zloch
On April 2, 2015, John Mackenley Cesar, 26, of Miami, Chedlor Dorilus, 22, of Hollywood, Lawrence Bernadel (“Bernadel”), 22, of Tallahassee, Ariel Ronet Walker, 22, of Tallahassee, and Lubens Inalien, a/k/a “Lubaby,” 29, of Fort Lauderdale, were charged in a six count indictment for their participation in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme.
According to the indictment, from January 29, 2014, through April 17, 2014, in Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee, Florida, the defendants used an Electronic Filing Identification Number (“EFIN”), in the name of Canaan Plus Tax, Inc. of Miami Gardens, to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The defendants used the personal identification information (“PII”) of hundreds of individuals, including PII obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety, to file the fraudulent tax returns. After the fraudulent tax returns were received by the IRS, the defendants arranged to have the tax refund payments deposited onto pre-paid debit cards. After the monies were deposited onto the cards, they were used by the defendants to purchase items and make withdrawals from ATMs in Broward County and elsewhere. The indictment alleges that through the submission of the fraudulent tax returns, the defendants sought to obtain approximately $800,000 in tax refunds.
The defendants were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to possess fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft.