BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Two people were arrested after an indictment of over 20 members involved in wire fraud and money laundering that involved elderly victims.
Bakersfield police detectives, along with assistance from the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security uncovered a transnational criminal investigation.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the operation took place in various locations in California including Bakersfield, Fresno, San Jose, Yuba City, Sacramento and Stockton. Other states included Texas and Florida.
BPD said $1.5 million was seized from various suspects’ bank accounts that belonged to the victims. Authorities say they are trying to retrieve additional funds.
The two suspects from Bakersfield were identified as Felix Alejandro, 39 and Alejandro Cuarenta, 33.
Alejandro was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
Cuarenta was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
The suspects used the guise of the victims being entitled to restitution from a timeshare lawsuit in order to demand fees to release the supposed funds. The suspects also used shell companies and fictitious business names to launder the money, ultimately using the assets retrieved to benefit themselves, the Nuestra Familia and Norteño criminal organizations.
Authorities began noticing unusual financial activity connected to Felix Alejandro in late 2023 which ultimately led them to a larger fraud ring.
Over 370 victims were identified in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Investigators found the fraud to have started as early as 2017. The loss is estimated to be over $36 million.
The potential sentences for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering are 30 years for wire fraud and 20 years for money laundering.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.