Federal and local authorities in Southern California have dismantled a massive international elder fraud operation, arresting 19 suspects accused of scamming more than 500 American seniors out of over $40 million.
The FBI San Diego Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF) led the multi-agency operation, which involved more than 100 law enforcement officers executing coordinated arrest and search warrants on November 5. The crackdown targeted U.S.-based members of a sophisticated transnational scam with roots in India, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A federal indictment unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California charges 22 individuals with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and money laundering.
“Our nation’s elderly citizens deserve to be treated with respect, not scammed out of their hard-earned savings by criminals exploiting their trust,” said Mark Dargis, special agent in charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “We will relentlessly pursue those who prey on our senior community and hold them accountable.”
Multi-Phase Scam
Court documents reveal that the criminal enterprise operated through several stages:
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Opener Phase (Tech Support Scam): Victims were first deceived through fake tech support offers.
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Closer Phase (Refund Scam): Scammers recontacted victims, tricking them into sending additional funds.
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Money Transmitter Phase: The illicit proceeds were laundered back to the overseas leaders through U.S.-based intermediaries.
Since July 2021, the scheme has defrauded hundreds of seniors across the United States, with total losses exceeding $40 million.
Key Defendant Identified
Authorities identified Victor Lee Marion, 41, of San Diego, as the alleged ringleader of the U.S.-based money laundering network. Marion reportedly managed direct communications with top leaders of the Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) in India and Dubai.
Investigators say Marion used his business, Mecca Barbershop, as a front to recruit more than 20 co-conspirators, training some to advance to higher roles, including “closers” who interacted directly with victims. Foreign leaders allegedly enticed recruits with all-expenses-paid trips to Thailand to expand the fraud operation.
Assets Seized and Penalties
In addition to the arrests, investigators seized multiple bank accounts tied to the scheme and confiscated a BMW purchased with stolen funds. Marion and 18 co-defendants were taken into custody on November 5 and are expected to appear in court this week.
Those charged with Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud face up to 40 years in prison, while defendants charged with Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering face up to 20 years.
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