5 Brooklyn residents charged in $1M rental car, identity theft scheme
Officials say six defendants began the plot in 2023. They are accused of stealing rental cars from multiple companies by using stolen credit cards and forged driver’s licenses.
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Five Brooklyn residents are among those charged in connection with a $1 million rental car and identity theft scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Officials say six defendants began the plot in 2023. They are accused of stealing rental cars from multiple companies by using stolen credit cards and forged driver’s licenses.
They did this by picking up reserved rental cars under stolen identities and charging victims with the fees. They then took the cars to The Bronx or Manhattan.
None of the vehicles were returned. Several were later recovered during investigations into violent crimes or being driven by suspects.
The charges against them include conspiracy to receive, possess, and dispose of stolen vehicles, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
“Identity theft has no place in our community, and it impacts and harms New Yorkers and others in many different ways,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald in a release. “These charges not only bring that scheme to an end but also send a broader message that the women and men of this Office, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and pursue criminals who seek to use the identities of unwitting and innocent victims to enrich themselves and commit crimes.”
