Three Southern California men were charged Thursday for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from elderly victims in a fraud scheme.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office identified the suspects as:
- Lovert Che, 44, of Lomita
- Sylas Nyuydzene Verdzekov, 38, of Chino Hills
- Mustapha Nkachiwouo Selly Yamie, 29, of Inglewood
Che and Verdzekov were arrested on Thursday, while Yamie remains at large.
The trio are accused of stealing around $10 million from at least 100 victims. Beginning in November 2021, the suspects and their accomplices created “fake identification documents of fictitious people, including passports and driver’s licenses,” court documents said.
Using these fake documents, they created at least 36 shell companies in California to aid in their crimes, prosecutors said.
At least 145 bank accounts and 32 private mailboxes were opened across Southern California using the fake identities and sham businesses.
In one scheme, the trio allegedly targeted elderly victims using phone calls and email pop-ups. They posed as law enforcement workers or employees of well-known companies who were trying to help the victims maintain the security of their bank accounts.
They would falsely claim the victims’ bank or payment accounts were compromised and would offer help to quickly resolve the issue, authorities said.
They requested personal account information while telling them they needed to quickly move money from their corrupted accounts to ensure the funds were safe. The money would eventually be transferred to bank accounts that the suspects owned and controlled, officials said.
The funds were obtained by electronic bank transfers, money orders, cashier’s checks, or personal checks. The suspects would allegedly use the stolen funds on personal expenses, including rental payments.
In a different scam, they’re accused of posing as real estate owners selling property. Using fake ID and credentials, they convinced victims to wire money or mail a check payment for what they believed was a legitimate property sale.
With these schemes, the suspects are accused of laundering at least $10 million from at least 100 victims, court documents said.
“Financial fraud against our elder population has unfortunately lined the pockets of several transnational criminal organizations,” said John Pasciucco, HSI Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting our most vulnerable and ensuring the public is informed of the red flag indicators of elder fraud.”
“They not only stole the victims’ money, but robbed them of their security and trust,” said Joseph T. McNally, Acting U.S. Attorney. “Let this serve as a clear message: If you defraud members of our community, especially the elderly, we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Each suspect was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Verdzekov and Che are expected to be arraigned Thursday in a U.S. District Court in downtown L.A.
The third suspect, Yamie, remains at large.
Authorities advise anyone who may have been a victim of a scam to immediately contact their bank or financial institution to request a recall or reversal, along with a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity.
They should also contact local law enforcement and file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov, which is operated by the FBI.
