Financial Crime World

Title: Guam Man Sentenced for Identity Theft and Bank Fraud in Northern Mariana Islands: $1.5 Million in Losses

FBI Denounces Major Financial Crime Case

FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill announced the sentencing of Evan Daniel Montvel-Cohen, a 55-year-old resident of Tamuning, Guam, for identity theft and bank fraud.

Montvel-Cohen’s Identity Theft Scam

Montvel-Cohen committed two fraud schemes, resulting in losses totaling over $1.5 million. The first scam targeted a Guam property management company and the Bank of Guam. In this scheme, he:

  1. Assumed the identity of another person
  2. Entered into a residential lease agreement using an altered Guam driver’s license, the victim’s name, and date of birth
  3. Electronically signed a lease agreement under the victim’s email address

The unpaid rent and deposit fees resulting from the identity theft scheme caused a nearly $20,000 loss.

Montvel-Cohen’s Bank Fraud Scheme

During July 31, 2018, to August 18, 2018, Montvel-Cohen perpetrated another fraud scheme against the Bank of Guam. He:

  1. Deposited a $45,010 check from a jointly owned Bank of Hawaii account into a jointly owned Bank of Guam account
  2. Arranged for a stop payment order on the Bank of Hawaii check
  3. Transferred $39,356.05 from the Bank of Guam account before the check bounced

The stop payment order caused the Bank of Hawaii check to bounce, resulting in a nearly $40,000 loss.

Montvel-Cohen’s Criminal History

In the Court’s sentencing, Montvel-Cohen’s history of deceit and extensive roster of victims were proven. He was sentenced to 82 months of imprisonment by the District Court of Guam.

U.S. Attorney and FBI’s Remarks

U.S. Attorney Anderson stated, “Montvel-Cohen’s history of deceit has left an extensive roster of victims in its wake… We hope the Court’s ruling will dissuade him from committing these offenses anew.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill added, “Identity theft and financial schemes can wreak havoc on victims… The FBI is committed to meticulously investigating and apprehending anyone responsible for such despicable acts.”

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin K. Petersburg in the prosecution of this case.