Puerto Rico Man Sentenced for Identity Theft and Bank Fraud Schemes

A 27-year-old man from Juncos, Puerto Rico, Juan Rivera Mundo, was sentenced to a total of five years and four months in prison for identity theft and bank fraud violations in two separate cases.

Two Identity Theft and Bank Fraud Cases

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced on Thursday, that Juan Rivera Mundo masterminded a plan to acquire people’s debit cards and PIN numbers through cloned cards. He recruited cashiers at various businesses across Puerto Rico to collaborate in the scheme. With their help, he cloned the debit cards using counterfeit equipment. Rivera Mundo then illegally withdrew cash and made extravagant purchases, all for his own gain and that of others.

First Indictment

Rivera Mundo was first indicted on March 24, 2022, for identity theft and bank fraud.

Second Indictment

While on bail, awaiting trial, Rivera Mundo continued with illegal skimming activities. He was then charged with new offenses and arrested on August 25, 2022. Rivera Mundo pleaded guilty to both cases on November 9, 2023.

Sentencing

In addition to the 64-month prison sentence, Rivera Mundo was ordered to serve five (5) years of supervised release and pay restitution in the amount of $18,528.60.

Third Separate Federal Indictment

Rivera Mundo was also charged in a third and separate federal indictment on May 11, 2023, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in 2020. This case involved fraudulently requesting a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan as part of a larger scheme to defraud and obtain money and property from the Small Business Administration and a financial institution. This case is still pending.

Investigation and Prosecution

The United States Secret Service investigated the bank fraud and identity theft cases, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy prosecuted the cases.