Summary
Teresa Desy Majo, a former chief financial officer (CFO) of the North American operations of an international engineering company has been charged in the United States in connection with an alleged embezzlement scheme and immigration fraud. Federal authorities allege that Teresa Desy Majo created fraudulent documents, altered executive communications, and used the identities of company leaders to obtain unauthorized compensation and benefits. The case also includes allegations related to immigration documents following the executive’s termination from the company.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Type: Embezzlement and Immigration Fraud
- Position Involved: Former Chief Financial Officer
- Individual Charged: Teresa Desy Majo
- Period Mentioned: January 2021 to May 2024
- Main Charges: Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, Possession of a Perjured Immigration Document
- Companies Affected: Maccaferri, Inc. and Maccaferri Canada Ltd.
- Investigating Agency: FBI
- Prosecuting Authority: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland
- Maximum Penalties Mentioned: Up to 20 years for wire fraud, mandatory 2 years for aggravated identity theft, and up to 10 years for immigration-related offense
Former CFO Faces Federal Charges
Federal prosecutors in Maryland have announced criminal charges against Teresa Desy Majo, a former chief financial officer who worked for the North American operations of Officine Maccaferri S.p.A., an Italian geotechnical engineering solutions manufacturer and supplier.
According to the indictment, Majo is accused of carrying out an alleged embezzlement scheme that affected both Maccaferri, Inc. in the United States and Maccaferri Canada Ltd. in Canada. Authorities claim the scheme continued for more than three years.
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The charges include wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a perjured immigration document.
Officials stated that Majo previously served as the chief financial officer for the company’s North American operations. Officine Maccaferri S.p.A. specializes in geotechnical engineering solutions and products related to soil stabilization.
Allegations of Fraudulent Compensation and Benefits
According to court documents, the alleged scheme began in January 2021 and continued through May 2024.
Prosecutors allege that Majo created multiple documents that appeared to authorize additional employment compensation and benefits. These documents allegedly indicated that company executives had approved payments and benefits that were not actually authorized.
Authorities further claim that executive emails were altered to make it appear that senior company officials had approved the extra compensation.
The indictment states that these documents were then submitted to payroll departments within both Maccaferri, Inc. and Maccaferri Canada Ltd.
Investigators allege that the purpose of these actions was to obtain financial benefits and compensation that were not legitimately approved.
Alleged Use of Executive Identities
One of the key allegations in the case involves the use of executive identities.
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Federal authorities claim that Majo used the identities of multiple company executives while carrying out the alleged scheme. Prosecutors allege that executive approvals were fraudulently represented in documents and communications connected to compensation requests.
Because of these allegations, the case includes a charge of aggravated identity theft in addition to the fraud-related charge.
The indictment alleges that the identities were used as part of efforts to secure unauthorized employment benefits and payments.
Immigration Fraud Allegations
The federal case also includes allegations related to immigration documentation.
According to the indictment, Majo was terminated by the company. After the termination, prosecutors allege that information regarding her employment status was withheld from immigration authorities.
Authorities further allege that false statements were made regarding the employment situation.
The indictment states that these actions were connected to obtaining legal permanent resident status in the United States.
As a result, prosecutors added a charge involving possession of a perjured immigration document.
Investigation and Prosecution
The charges were announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, together with Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office.
Federal officials confirmed that the investigation was conducted by the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared M. Beim and Jared W. Murphy.
Authorities have formally filed the charges, allowing the criminal case to move through the federal court process.
Charges and Potential Penalties
The indictment includes the following criminal charges:
- Wire fraud
- Aggravated identity theft
- Possession of a perjured immigration document
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According to the information released by federal authorities, the wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years if a conviction is obtained.
The charge related to possession of a perjured immigration document carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
These penalties represent the maximum sentences authorized under federal law for the listed offenses.
Indictment Is Not a Conviction
Federal authorities emphasized that an indictment is not a finding of guilt.
An indictment is a formal accusation that begins the criminal court process. The allegations contained in the indictment must still be proven in court.
Under the U.S. legal system, individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent unless and until guilt is established through legal proceedings.
The charges announced against Teresa Desy Majo remain allegations at this stage of the process, and the matter will proceed through the federal judicial system according to established legal procedures.