Summary
A Romanian national Claudiu Pesteleu who admitted participating in a large-scale fraud operation that allegedly stole more than $1.8 million from consumers across the United States is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2026, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
According to court records, 44-year-old Claudiu Pesteleu, who was illegally present in the United States, admitted his involvement in a nationwide fraud scheme that operated between May 2023 and June 2024. Prosecutors say the operation relied on fake business websites that impersonated legitimate companies and convinced consumers to send money for products that were never delivered.
Key Facts
- Consumers were allegedly deceived through fake business websites.
- More than $1.8 million was reportedly wired by victims.
- Shell companies were allegedly created using fraudulent identity documents.
- Bank accounts were opened under false identities.
- Multiple aliases and business names were used during the scheme.
- Federal and local law enforcement agencies investigated the case.
How the Fraud Scheme Allegedly Worked
According to the plea agreement, Pesteleu admitted helping conceal money obtained through the fraud operation. Authorities say the scheme used professionally designed websites that appeared to belong to legitimate businesses selling vehicles, heavy equipment, and other consumer products.
Consumers visiting these websites believed they were dealing with real companies. After selecting products, buyers were instructed to send payments through wire transfers. Investigators allege that instead of going to legitimate sellers, the money was directed into bank accounts controlled through shell companies.
Prosecutors say Pesteleu played a significant role in creating and maintaining those shell companies. He allegedly obtained fake identity documents and used them to establish businesses that appeared legitimate on paper.
Authorities identified several companies and aliases allegedly connected to the operation. These included Zammer Equipment LLC under the name Matthias Zammer, Super Exotic Deals LLC under Samuel Der Saar, Premier E. Liquidators LLC under Fred Laport, Adler Pre Owned LLC under Boris Adler, Bittman Motors LLC under Fritz Bittman, Nikkos Cargo LLC under Nikos Adonis, and Becker Automotive LLC under Karl Becker.
Court records also state that Pesteleu used the alias Thomas Muller.
Investigators allege that consumers were instructed to wire funds to accounts associated with these entities. Victims reportedly believed they were purchasing real products from legitimate businesses. Instead, authorities say the funds became part of a fraudulent financial network designed to collect and move money.
Investigation and Upcoming Sentencing Hearing
Federal prosecutors say approximately $1.8 million in fraudulently obtained funds was sent to bank accounts controlled by Pesteleu during the operation. After receiving the money, numerous financial transactions were allegedly carried out to conceal its source and make it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace and recover the funds.
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Authorities claim these transactions were intended to hinder investigative efforts and prevent the seizure of criminal proceeds. The alleged movement of money through various accounts and entities formed a key part of the case presented by prosecutors.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations Deming with assistance from the Gainesville, Florida Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Las Cruces Criminal Chief Richard Williams and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Gardner.
At the June 4 sentencing hearing, both sides are expected to present a revised plea agreement. The agreement reportedly includes a recommended prison sentence ranging from 30 to 39 months.
U.S. District Judge Robert C. Brack will decide whether to accept the proposed agreement and whether the sentence should be imposed according to its terms.
Federal authorities have also asked anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the scheme to contact the Homeland Security Investigations tip line. Officials are continuing efforts to identify affected consumers and document losses linked to the fraud operation.
The sentencing hearing represents the next major step in a case that investigators say involved fake websites, fraudulent identities, shell companies, and more than $1.8 million in consumer losses across the United States.