Operation Eslabón results in 135 charges against 33 people for DTOP & AutoExpreso fine payment fraud

Police Superintendent Joseph González Falcón said “[o]ur agents conducted a thorough investigation that allowed us to identify the various components of this scheme and bring those allegedly involved to justice.” (Policía de Puerto Rico)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Police Bureau announced on Tuesday that Operation Eslabón resulted in 135 criminal charges against 33 individuals involved in a scheme that processed more than 100 illegal payments for Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP by its acronym in Spanish) and AutoExpreso fines -- totaling $308,573.13 -- using an unauthorized credit card between June and September 2021.

According to the investigation, several defendants provided their driver’s license information and paid third parties to clear their fines or obtain certifications showing a zero balance. The transactions were carried out via CESCO Digital and AutoExpreso during a period when no discount programs or amnesty periods were in effect.

“Our agents conducted a thorough investigation that allowed us to identify the various components of this scheme and bring those allegedly involved to justice,” stated Police Superintendent Joseph González Falcón during a press conference. “This outcome also demonstrates the importance of collaborative work between the Police and the Department of Justice in combating financial crimes and protecting public funds.” 

Justice Lourdes Gómez Torres said in a written statement:

“Let those who seek to illegally benefit from Puerto Rico’s taxpayer funds know that we will identify and prosecute them to the full extent of the law. If they believe they can participate in these schemes and go unpunished, they are mistaken.”

“These illegal transactions not only affected credit card holders -- including an elderly woman -- but also resulted in the improper disbursement of public funds,” the justice secretary added. “Everyone must comply with the law regarding the payment of fines. This investigation is ongoing, so we urge anyone with knowledge of this type of scheme to cooperate voluntarily before it is too late.”

A banking institution uncovered the scheme after detecting multiple credit card charges and filed a formal complaint. The cardholders disputed the unauthorized transactions, and the Treasury Department refunded the corresponding funds in accordance with established procedures for unrecognized charges.

Prosecutor Rosa Molina Pérez of the Justice Department’s Economic Crimes Division, filed 71 charges of fraud and 64 charges of unlawful appropriation of public funds. The investigation was led by Officer Abraham Lebrón Hernández of the Police Bureau’s Bank Robbery and Financial Institution Fraud Division.

The accused include individuals who benefited from the fine payments, those who carried out the transactions, administrative agents, agency businesses, and other intermediaries or facilitators. The Justice Department did not disclose their identities.

Judge Ángel Rivera Miranda of the San Juan Court of First Instance found probable cause for the arrest of the accused and set total bail at $1,231,000.

“These arrests demonstrate the importance of collaboration between the DTOP, the Department of Justice, and the Puerto Rico Police in identifying, investigating, and combating any attempt to use our services to commit fraud,” DTOP Secretary Edwin González Montalvo said. “At the DTOP, we have strengthened the investigative capabilities and professional development of the staff within DISCO’s Investigation and Inspection Unit and our investigators at the CESCOs [Driver Services Centers], ensuring they have the necessary tools to conduct rigorous, objective, and thoroughly documented investigations. This work enables us to identify potential irregularities, build solid cases, and refer them to the appropriate authorities for further action.”

Treasury Secretary Ángel Pantoja Rodríguez said the agency he leads “continuously update[s] our processes and controls as the technologies and tools used by payment processors evolve, with the aim of preventing, detecting, and mitigating potential fraud schemes.”

“We also maintain close collaboration with oversight agencies and state and federal authorities by sharing information and supporting relevant investigations,” the treasury chief said. “We urge anyone with knowledge of possible irregularities or fraud schemes related to the Department’s transactions or processes to contact us confidentially via SURI Confidencia.”

The misappropriation of public funds carries a fixed prison sentence of 15 years, while the crime of fraud carries a fixed sentence of eight years. The investigation remains ongoing.

The aggrieved parties include credit card holders and the Government of Puerto Rico, as well as the island Treasury Department, DTOP, CESCO, AutoExpreso and the banking institution.