Federal prosecutors in Texas have charged four defendants in connection with a timeshare resale fraud operation that allegedly netted $40 million from elderly American victims.
The charged defendants are Christian Felipe Rodriguez Peraza, also known as Jose Mario Ochoa Rodriguez, of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico; his wife Brenda Tamayo Corona, also known as Jazmin Oliva Chacon, of Mexico; Michael Ian Hollands, of the United Kingdom; and Yorlena Alfonso Cuesta.
How the Scheme Operated
According to federal prosecutors, the defendants contacted victims claiming their timeshares on Mexico's Pacific coast had been sold and that proceeds were ready for collection. Victims were then told they needed to pay various fees and taxes upfront before receiving their money.
To appear legitimate, the perpetrators allegedly posed as US and Mexican government officials and used the identities of real American attorneys.
Money Laundering Allegations
Rodriguez allegedly worked with Hollands and other co-conspirators to move victims' money through US-based companies and bank accounts to launder the proceeds.
Victim Impact
Two elderly San Antonio residents sent $1.2 million to the scheme and received nothing in return.
Legal Status
Rodriguez and Tamayo were arrested in France and extradited to San Antonio federal court to face charges. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud charges and an additional 20 years for money laundering conspiracy charges if convicted.
