How the Scam Exploited Rideshare Platforms
In some cases, the fraudsters booked rides for supposed “family members” to take seniors to banks, enabling them to withdraw funds that were then funneled into U.S. business bank accounts.
Boston FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks credited Uber’s global security and investigation team with detecting the pattern and alerting federal agents.
“This case exemplifies how Uber uses anti-fraud technology to swiftly detect and proactively report suspicious activity to law enforcement,” said Heather Childs, Uber’s chief ethics, compliance and security officer.
Guilty Pleas and Ongoing Trials
Two defendants have already been apprehended: Luis German Santos Burgos, accused of managing runners, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering last month. Joan Manuel Mathilda Leon, an alleged accomplice, awaits trial.
Santos Burgos is represented by Jason G. Benzaken, Michael B. Homer, and Sara E. Silva. Mathilda Leon is represented by Tracy A. Miner. Castanos Garcia’s legal counsel was not immediately available.
The government is represented by David Holcomb of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
