Dozens of North Texans arrested in international wire fraud scheme

DALLAS – Authorities have uncovered an international electronic fraud scheme, with the majority of those arrested living in North Texas.

Authorities said 101 people had been charged in the operation, 73 are in custody.

The suspects would steal electronic devices, mainly cell phones, and then ship them abroad for resale. It is estimated that nearly $ 100 million in stolen goods have been sold.

Some of these stolen electronic devices were reportedly taken at gunpoint during flights in North Texas in late 2020.

“I am particularly struck by the victims struck by these alleged crimes, the victims of fraud, the victims of theft, the employees of companies where violent thefts have taken place. The children of clients and clients who were in these companies when the thefts have taken place, “Matthew DeSarno, FBI Dallas, Special Agent in Charge.

The suspects face a list of charges including: obstructing interstate commerce, wire and mail fraud, and using a firearm in a violent crime.

If convicted, those involved face up to 25 years in federal prison.

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