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What seemed like just another luxury car sale in South Florida turned into a federal operation with a dramatic arrest at Miami International Airport.
Vitalii Stefurac, a 48-year-old businessman and resident of Hallandale Beach, was arrested by federal agents just minutes before boarding a flight to Cuba, which would subsequently take him to Russia, in what authorities describe as a clear attempt to escape.
Stefurac, also known as Viktor, was the owner of Dream Auto Collection, a luxury vehicle dealership located on Pembroke Road, Hollywood.
The businessman is accused of committing electronic fraud for allegedly taking nearly $300,000 that a buyer from Hawaii sent him to purchase a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G63 with a BRABUS package that was never delivered.
The victim, Alan Sue, a resident of Makawao, Hawaii, transferred the money in two payments during April of last year.
However, after months of evasions and broken promises, the vehicle was never sent, and the money was never refunded. Despite multiple communications between both parties, the situation led to a formal complaint.
"I haven't seen a single cent," Sue declared to the Local 10 channel. "I think Viktor stole my money and went on an expensive vacation. He went to Nepal, climbed a mountain, and sent me a picture. I also think he went to Europe. All with my money."
Authorities believe that Stefurac intended to permanently leave the country, using an indirect route to Russia through Cuba.
The case, which came to light following a journalistic investigation by Local 10 News in July 2024, attracted the attention of the FBI and federal prosecutors, who opened a file for conspiracy to commit electronic fraud, a federal crime that carries penalties of three to four years in prison.
However, after months of evasions and broken promises, the vehicle was never sent and the money was never returned. Despite multiple communications between both parties, the situation culminated in a formal complaint.
"I haven't seen a single cent," declared Sue to the channel Local 10.
Authorities believe that Stefurac intended to leave the United States for good, using an indirect route to Russia via Cuba.
After his arrest, he appeared before a federal judge in Fort Lauderdale. He was released on bail, but the controversy did not end there.
Upon leaving the courthouse last Friday, he was approached by journalist Jeff Weinsier, who confronted him with questions about the scam while he was getting into his girlfriend's Range Rover, a vehicle bearing a license plate from the Police Benevolent Association, raising even more questions about his connections and the appearance of legitimacy.
If found guilty, he will not only face a prison sentence but will also be required to pay the full amount of money lost by the victim, according to the Mandatory Restitution to Victims Act. This federal regulation ensures that victims of crimes such as electronic fraud are compensated as part of the judicial process.
The investigation remains open, and other potential victims of Stefurac and his now-defunct business are not ruled out.
Authorities urge anyone who has conducted transactions with Dream Auto Collection and suspects fraud to contact the appropriate agencies.
Dream Auto Collection, now closed, has been identified as a possible center for dubious operations in the sale of exotic and luxury sports cars.
With the arrest of its former owner, a new judicial chapter opens that could bring justice for those who were deceived.
Frequently asked questions about the arrest of Vitalii Stefurac and fraud in luxury car sales
Who is Vitalii Stefurac and why was he arrested?
Vitalii Stefurac is a 48-year-old businessman and owner of Dream Auto Collection, a luxury car dealership. He was arrested at Miami International Airport, charged with electronic fraud for misappropriating $300,000 that a buyer in Hawaii had paid him to acquire a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G63, which was never delivered.
What was the modus operandi of the scam committed by Stefurac?
Stefurac allegedly received $300,000 from a buyer in Hawaii for a Mercedes-Benz G63 that was never delivered. Despite promises of shipment and numerous communications, the vehicle was neither sent nor was the money refunded, which resulted in a formal complaint for electronic fraud.
What consequences could Stefurac face if he is found guilty?
If found guilty, Stefurac could face between three to four years in prison for electronic fraud. Additionally, he would be required to reimburse the money lost to the victim in accordance with the Mandatory Restitution to Victims Law.
Is there a possibility that there are more victims of Stefurac?
Yes, authorities are not ruling out the possibility of other potential victims of Stefurac and his business Dream Auto Collection, which has already shut down. They are urging anyone who suspects fraud to contact the relevant agencies.
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