In a landmark international law enforcement operation, Rafael Ambiorix Rodriguez Guzman and Felix Samuel Reynoso Ventura have been extradited to the United States to face charges related to a sprawling grandparent scam that has defrauded elderly Americans of millions. Their initial court appearance in Newark yesterday highlights a significant effort to combat sophisticated fraud schemes targeting vulnerable populations.
Charges Against Rafael Ambiorix Rodriguez Guzman and Felix Samuel Reynoso Ventura
Rodriguez Guzman and Reynoso Ventura are two of the 11 defendants listed in a comprehensive 19-count indictment submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The indictment, unsealed on April 29, outlines an extensive scheme where scammers, including Rodriguez Guzman and Reynoso Ventura, deceived elderly individuals across multiple states. The indictment alleges that these two operated from call centers in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, playing crucial roles in the fraudulent activities.
The Mechanics of the Scam
The grandparent scam, in which Rodriguez Guzman and Reynoso Ventura are implicated, involves deceiving elderly individuals by impersonating relatives or legal representatives. According to the indictment, Rodriguez Guzman and Reynoso Ventura, as “closers,” used advanced tactics to persuade victims to send large sums of money. Victims were led to believe their grandchildren were in serious trouble, such as being involved in a car accident or facing legal issues, requiring immediate financial assistance.
The scammers employed technology to make their calls appear as if they originated from within the U.S., adding a layer of deception. Rodriguez Guzman and Reynoso Ventura allegedly impersonated attorneys, police officers, or court officials to convince victims to send cash, which was either picked up by couriers or mailed directly.
Legal Implications and Investigation
Rafael Ambiorix Rodriguez Guzman and Felix Samuel Reynoso Ventura each face several charges, including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to engage in money laundering. Each charge carries a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and substantial fines—up to $250,000 for fraud charges and $500,000 for money laundering.
The indictment and extradition represent a significant achievement for U.S. law enforcement agencies. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to pursuing those who exploit vulnerable individuals through fraud. Boynton said that they will keep identifying and focusing on those who deliberately target vulnerable Americans from abroad.
Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New York praised the international collaboration in the case. Arvelo said that Rafael Ambiorix Rodriguez Guzman and Felix Samuel Reynoso Ventura are two of the 16 individuals charged in this disturbing scheme, which affected at least four U.S. states and reportedly jeopardized the livelihoods of hundreds of innocent Americans. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including HSI, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG), the FBI, and the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
International Cooperation and Ongoing Efforts
The extradition of Rodriguez Guzman and Reynoso Ventura highlights the successful collaboration between the U.S. and Dominican authorities. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs played a pivotal role in facilitating the extradition, with significant support from the Dominican government and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley Parker of SSA-OIG described the grandparent scam as a “cruel fraud scheme that deliberately preys on elderly and vulnerable persons within society.” He emphasized the ongoing dedication of various agencies to combat such international fraud schemes and protect senior citizens.
The extradition and indictment of Rafael Ambiorix Rodriguez Guzman and Felix Samuel Reynoso Ventura mark a crucial step in addressing the grandparent scam and similar fraudulent activities. This case highlights the effectiveness of international law enforcement collaboration and the commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation.
