Florida authorities have announced new arrests in a fraud case related to obtaining insurance licenses in Miami-Dade, involving Cuban nationals in a sophisticated scheme that manipulated online exams to illegally acquire licenses.
Among the new detainees in this case are Darwin José Ayala, 39, a resident of Doral, and Zurisadairis Salazar, 36, from Miramar. Both are facing charges of organized fraud and extortion, reported América TeVé.
The case centers on the company Academia D&R, located in Virginia Gardens, which is run by its owner, 36-year-old Diana Nodarse Cruz, and her husband, 59-year-old Rainier Miguel Salas.
Their son, Rainier Alexander Salas, 27, was also in custody for the same offense.
According to investigations, these individuals charged between $400 and $2,000 to ensure that applicants passed the required exams without meeting the legal requirements.
Others involved are 32-year-old Jaroslav Verner from Alpharetta, Georgia, and 26-year-old Karla Lit Peralta from Miami Gardens. However, the latter has begun cooperating with authorities, providing crucial information for the case.
The scheme used technology, including devices such as wireless mice, to manipulate online exams. At least 820 exams were tampered with between 2021 and 2024.
The investigation started following an audit that detected irregularities in the evaluation system of Pearson VUE, the state contractor responsible for the testing.
Nodarse, the main suspect in the case, remains detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK). A bail of $12,500 has been set, but if she chooses to pay it, she must prove that the funds come from a legitimate source.
The two new detainees, Ayala and Salazar, are also being held at TGK. The former has a bail set at $21,000, while the latter must pay $20,000.
Authorities continue to investigate and do not rule out further arrests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance License Fraud in Miami-Dade
What is insurance license fraud in Miami-Dade?
The insurance license fraud in Miami-Dade involves the illegal manipulation of online exams to obtain insurance licenses without meeting legal requirements. This scheme was led by the company Academia D&R and its main operators, who charged candidates to ensure their exam approval.
Who are the main individuals involved in the insurance license fraud?
The main individuals involved in the fraud are Diana Nodarse Cruz, her husband Rainier Miguel Salas, and their son Rainier Alexander Salas. They were in charge of the D&R Academy, the epicenter of the fraudulent scheme. Other detainees include Darwin José Ayala and Zurisadairis Salazar, who also face charges for their involvement.
How did this fraud impact the insurance licensing system in Florida?
Fraud compromised the integrity of the insurance licensing system in Florida by allowing unqualified individuals to obtain licenses illegally. This not only undermines the credibility of the system, but also jeopardizes the safety and reliability of insurance services in the region.
What actions are the authorities taking to combat this type of fraud?
The authorities have arrested several individuals involved and continue to investigate the case. They are working to identify and apprehend more people connected to it, ensuring they face justice for their actions. Additionally, the authorities are reviewing the assessment system to prevent future manipulations.
Filed under: