Federal prosecutors have charged thirteen individuals in connection with what authorities describe as a massive, transnational elder fraud scheme—one that allegedly caused over $5 million in losses to more than 400 elderly victims across the United States. The average victim was 84 years old, and at least 50 victims lived in Massachusetts.
According to court documents, the operation was allegedly based in the Dominican Republic and run by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia. Prosecutors claim that the defendants operated a sophisticated “call center” network designed to carry out so-called “grandparent scams.” In these schemes, callers allegedly impersonated distressed grandchildren or attorneys, convincing victims to urgently send money to resolve fabricated emergencies.
The indictment alleges that the operation included:
- Scripted calls to make the impersonations more convincing
- Call center “openers” and “closers” who worked in tandem to pressure victims
- Daily tracking of scam proceeds with scoreboard-style monitoring
- Use of runners and unwitting rideshare drivers to collect cash directly from victims
- Money laundering to route illicit funds from the U.S. back to the Dominican Republic
In some cases, prosecutors allege, victims were contacted multiple times and persuaded to send additional funds based on new, fabricated crises.
The charges of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy—each carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison, significant fines, and lengthy supervised release. Federal sentencing guidelines can result in decades of incarceration for those convicted, especially when the alleged crimes involve vulnerable victims and multi-million-dollar losses.
The case illustrates that Federal authorities are aggressively pursuing large-scale elder fraud—especially when the schemes cross borders. Defending against such charges requires highly experienced counsel familiar with both federal criminal procedure and the complexities of transnational investigations.
If you or someone you know is under investigation or facing charges involving federal fraud, conspiracy, or international money laundering, the stakes could not be higher. These are complex cases that often involve evidence gathered from multiple jurisdictions, cooperation between U.S. and foreign agencies, and aggressive prosecutorial strategies.
An experienced federal white collar criminal defense attorney can evaluate the government’s evidence, protect your rights, and mount a strategic defense. Early legal intervention can have a big impact on legal outcomes. Contact our award-winning team at Dhar Law, LLP, to find out how we apply our extensive experience to build a strong defense against cases brought by the prosecution involving transnational fraud and white collar charges.
The following individuals are charged with crimes related to the alleged scheme:
1. Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia,33, of the Dominican Republic. Alleged Role: Call Center Operator Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
2. Joel Jose Cruz Rodriguez, a/k/a “Paflow,” 33, of the Dominican Republic. Alleged Role: Call Center Manager
Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
3. Edward Jose Puello Garcia, 44, of the Dominican Republic. Alleged Role: Call Center Manager Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy
4. Joan Manuel Mathilda Leon, 27, of the Dominican Republic and the Bronx, N.Y. Alleged Role: Recruited and oversaw “runners”; runner Charged with: Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud, Money Laundering Conspiracy
5. Luis German Santos Burgos, a/k/a “Mambo Flow,” 32, of the Dominican Republic and Dorchester, Mass. Alleged Role: Call Center Affiliate Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
6. Gerardo Heriberto Nuñez Nuñez, 41, of the Dominican Republic. Alleged Role: Money Launderer Charged with: Money laundering conspiracy.
7. Ransel St Arlin Tavarez Jimenez, 26, of the Bronx, N.Y. Alleged Role: Recruited and organized “runners”; runner Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
8. Joel Francisco Mathilda Leon, 26, of the Bronx, N.Y. Alleged Role: Runner Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
9. Andry Joel Baez Santana, 31, of the Bronx, N.Y. Alleged Role: Runner Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
10. Jose Osvaldo Polanco Batista, a/k/a “Obbi,” 28, of Winter Park, Fla. Alleged Role: Runner Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
11. Chaman Samael Silverio Balbuena, a/k/a “Chammy,” 31, of Defiance, Mo. Alleged Role: Runner Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
12. Manuel Nicolas Rivera Cueto, 25, of Santa Clara, Cal. Alleged Role: Runner Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
13. Jose Arony Fermin Vasquez, a/k/a “Chiky,” 31, of N.J. Alleged Role: Runner Charged with: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering conspiracy.
