Financial Crime World

Puerto Rico’s Banking Sector Hit with Multiple Fraud Cases Worth $858,600

Massive Crackdown on Financial Fraud in Puerto Rico

Federal authorities have brought charges against 11 individuals accused of stealing economic impact payments worth $858,600 from the US government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scheme Involves Stolen Government Payments

According to court documents, the defendants used personal identification information of others to obtain multiple economic impact payments through the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury’s (Hacienda) Sistema Unificado de Rentas Internas (SURI), which processed and distributed the payments. The thefts were carried out during the pandemic, when economic impact payments were being disbursed by the US government.

Charged with Theft and Fraud

The 11 individuals charged with Theft, Disposition, and Receipt of Stolen Government Money in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 include:

  • Estephany J. Disla, who allegedly received $108,800
  • Soammy K. Feliz-Rivera, who got away with $35,200
  • Ismarielis Nolberto-Cedaño, who stole $158,800
  • Nine others

Additional Charges and Investigation

The defendants also face additional charges related to efforts to structure subsequent financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements and illegally transfer and use the stolen funds for other purposes. The total amount of money involved in the fraud scheme is a staggering $858,600.

The FBI’s San Juan Field Office, along with the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) and Hacienda, investigated the cases.

Response from US Attorney

“This case reflects our continued resolve to investigate and prosecute those who try to exploit a national emergency to steal taxpayer-funded resources,” said US Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers accountable and safeguard taxpayer funds.”

Presumed Innocent

The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Reporting Fraud

To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by: