The Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office announced the dismantling of a criminal network that, through document forgery and the use of stolen identities, fraudulently acquired vehicles worth more than 5.5 million dollars.
The operation, dubbed “Credit Bust Out”, was revealed during a joint press conference held in the city of Doral by Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and County Tax Collector Dariel Fernández.
Both detailed the scope of an investigation that, to date, has resulted in 21 arrests - some of them of Cuban origin - and the recovery of more than fifty vehicles.
"Trust is the foundation of public service. When a resident comes to us seeking help, they deserve honesty and respect. That is why we will never tolerate fraud, corruption, or organized crime," Fernández stated during his remarks.
A meticulous and far-reaching criminal scheme
The investigation began after receiving alerts from legitimate dealers in South Florida, who detected irregularities in vehicle purchase applications.
In delving into the cases, authorities uncovered an organized network that used what is referred to in police jargon as "straw buyers."
These individuals presented themselves at dealerships with seemingly legitimate documentation, which included pay stubs, W-2 forms, bank statements, and fake utility bills, all designed to simulate financial stability and a fixed residence.
"One buyer can purchase up to 20 vehicles within a week before the inquiries appear on their credit report," explained Cordero-Stutz.
How stolen cars were monetized
Once the vehicles were obtained, the criminal network proceeded to "monetize" them through various illicit mechanisms, authorities revealed.
The notable practices identified include:
-Fraudulent removal of bank liens
-Illegal exportation with fraudulent vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
-Subletting in the black market
-Use in violent crimes, including shootings and robberies
The sheriff detailed that at least 100 vehicles obtained illegally have been identified so far, of which 53 have been recovered, with an approximate value of 4.3 million dollars.
Repeat offenders and notable cases
This type of fraud is not new in Miami-Dade. Previous cases show a troubling pattern.
Omar Guardia, for example, was arrested in May 2025 after fraudulently acquiring 20 vehicles and vessels for over 500,000 dollars.
Others, such as Katherine Suárez and Ernesto Castellano Murado, also face charges for similar schemes that amount to nearly one million dollars in losses.
Recently, Joan Alfonso was identified as one of the facilitators of these fraudulent purchases, using documents with falsified income.
A crime that affects everyone
Cordero-Stutz warned that the effects of this type of fraud are not limited to the financial institutions or the affected dealers.
"When financial institutions lose millions, those costs are passed on to families, small businesses, and consumers in Miami-Dade County, through increased prices and insurance premiums," emphasized the sheriff.
Family-owned dealerships, many of which are pillars of the local economy, are particularly affected, raising concerns among the authorities.
According to researchers, Miami-Dade has become an epicenter for this type of fraud due to its proximity to export ports and its history of financial crimes.
So far this year, over 500 suspicious credit requests related to similar networks have been identified, amounting to more than 24 million dollars.
Insufficient resources for a growing problem
Despite the initial success of the operation, the sheriff acknowledged that the resources allocated to this type of investigations are still limited.
Currently, only two detectives are assigned to the specialized task force for credit fraud.
"They're just scratching the surface," admitted Cordero-Stutz, who also announced that more resources and personnel will be allocated to strengthen ongoing investigations.
Institutional commitment against organized crime
The county tax collector, Dariel Fernández, also expressed his support for the actions of the Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the institutional commitment to the protection of residents.
“Residents of Miami-Dade County deserve a Sheriff’s Office with the tools, personnel, and commitment necessary to achieve results like this,” stated Fernández in the official statement from Miami-Dade County.
Both Fernández and Cordero-Stutz reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together to dismantle the organized crime networks that impact the working families of South Florida.
More arrests are expected
The investigation remains active, and authorities anticipate new arrests in the coming days. In the meantime, they urge dealers to implement stricter controls and report any suspicious activities.
"Don't be mistaken, Miami-Dade is an ideal target for credit fraud. But we will not allow organized crime or the corrupt to treat our county like an open market. Not under my watch," declared Sheriff Cordero-Stutz.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vehicle Fraud in Miami-Dade
How did the vehicle fraud network operate in Miami-Dade?
The network used document forgery and stolen identities to fraudulently acquire vehicles valued at over 5.5 million dollars. They employed "straw buyers" who presented fake documentation to simulate financial stability and obtain vehicles, which were then monetized through illicit practices such as illegal export and subleasing on the black market.
How many people have been arrested in the Credit Bust Out operation?
As of today, 21 people have been arrested as part of the Credit Bust Out operation, some of whom are of Cuban origin. The investigation remains active, and more arrests are expected in the coming days.
What impact does this type of fraud have on the Miami-Dade community?
Fraud affects financial institutions, dealers, and consumers in Miami-Dade County. The millions in losses translate into costs passed on through increases in prices and insurance premiums, harming local families and small businesses.
What measures are the authorities taking to combat fraud in Miami-Dade?
The authorities are strengthening the resources allocated to credit fraud investigations. More resources and personnel are being assigned to address the issue more effectively, with an institutional commitment to protect residents and dismantle organized crime networks.
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