Three Cuban citizens have been arrested in Florida for their alleged involvement in a criminal network that defrauded insurance companies of more than $84,000 through a scheme involving staged car accidents and fraudulent medical treatments.
The individuals involved, identified as Pavel Vidal del Toro, Oscar Mustelier Salas, and Yislan Barrera Favier, were part of a group that, according to the investigation, organized a simulated crash on August 20 of last year at the intersection of South 17th Avenue and Moffett Street in the city of Hollywood.
The purpose of the fraudulent claim was to justify alleged medical treatments in order to collect large sums of money from insurance companies.
A fraud orchestrated with clinics that inflated claims
The scam is believed to have been funneled through two clinics: Ocean Health Care Solutions and Magic Healing, which collaborated with the network to inflate claims with "fake therapy sessions," according to the police report cited by Telemundo 51.
The aforementioned clinics reported nonexistent health services to justify the reimbursements from insurers.
One of the key pieces to dismantle the operation was the testimony of Legna Angie Romero Alemany, who told authorities that she was offered "1,000 dollars to participate in the crash," although she claims to have only received 500.
Additionally, she revealed that she was forced by the clinic to sign forms certifying "sessions that never took place."
The three detained Cubans and their accomplices face charges of insurance fraud, premeditated accident, and grand theft.
Some of them have bail set exceeding $2,500. Authorities have indicated that the investigation is still open and that further arrests are not ruled out in the coming days.
Part of a broader operation against fraud in South Florida
This case is part of a broader investigation that has led to the dismantling of multiple networks engaged in insurance fraud in South Florida. Many of those involved have been Cuban nationals.
At the end of February, three Cubans were arrested for leading a fraudulent scheme operated from a clinic in Hialeah, where patients were illegally manipulated and false claims were submitted to insurance companies.
The first suspicions regarding the existence of the fraud network emerged following a traffic accident that occurred last November. During the investigation of the incident, Miami-Dade detectives detected inconsistencies in the testimonies and documentation presented, which raised alarms about the possibility of organized fraud.
As the investigation progressed, the researchers uncovered a recurring pattern in the accident reports connected to the Hialeah clinic. The evidence collected established a direct link between the three defendants and the systematic simulation of incidents aimed at defrauding insurance companies.
The authorities in Florida have intensified the fight against these criminal organizations that affect both insurance companies and honest drivers, who end up paying higher premiums due to the impact of these frauds.
In response to the high volume of cases, Miami-Dade authorities are implementing a pilot program to detect fraudulent collisions.
Miami-Dade authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating these types of fraudulent schemes, emphasizing that they will continue to monitor clinics and medical centers that may be involved in similar illicit activities.
In the United States, losses from scams involving fake accidents exceed 2 billion dollars annually.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Fraud in Florida
Who are the Cubans arrested for fraud against insurance companies in Florida?
The arrested Cubans are Pavel Vidal del Toro, Oscar Mustelier Salas, and Yislan Barrera Favier. These individuals are accused of participating in a fraudulent scheme involving simulated car accidents to defraud insurance companies in Florida.
How did the insurance fraud network operate in Florida?
The network orchestrated simulated car accidents to file fraudulent medical treatment claims with insurance companies. They employed clinics such as Ocean Health Care Solutions and Magic Healing to inflate claims with fake therapy sessions, thereby justifying fraudulent reimbursements.
What is the impact of insurance fraud in Florida?
Insurance fraud leads to an increase in insurance premiums for citizens and results in significant losses for insurance companies. In the United States, scams involving fake accidents exceed 2 billion dollars annually, impacting both insurers and consumers.
What measures are the authorities in Florida taking against insurance fraud?
Florida authorities have intensified their fight against insurance fraud networks through more extensive investigations and pilot programs to detect fraudulent collisions. They are monitoring clinics and medical centers involved in illegal activities to dismantle these criminal organizations.
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