Man pleads responsible to federal fees for ‘double-broker’ scheme focusing on San Diego truckers

A resident of Mexico pleaded responsible in federal court docket to fees associated to a “very complicated ‘double-broker’ scheme” meant to defraud motor carriers and freight brokers working in California.

On October 6, Alexis Castillo Padilla, 45, of Tijuana pleaded responsible to wire fraud fees associated to the double-broker scheme, in keeping with the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace for the Southern District of California.

Authorities say that Padilla stole the identification of an interstate provider situated in Spring Valley in San Diego County, California, and agreed to ship masses utilizing that provider’s identification. Nevertheless as a substitute of delivering these masses, Padilla posed as a shipper and re-brokered the masses to different trucking corporations, who truly delivered the freight. Padilla collected the funds from prospects because the Spring Valley provider and didn’t pay the trucking corporations that really delivered the cargo.

Many of the double-broker scheme was orchestrated from Tijuana, Mexico, authorities say.

Padilla was arrested in Italy and extradited to the USA on Might 27, 2022.

As a part of his plea settlement, Padilla has agreed to pay restitution to his victims in an quantity estimated to be a minimum of $239,904.

“Padilla used deceit and deception to defraud freight brokers and interstate carriers attempting to make an trustworthy dwelling transferring items all through the USA,” stated U.S. Lawyer Randy Grossman. “He’ll now be held to account for his crimes though they had been dedicated from outdoors the USA.” Grossman counseled the prosecution crew in addition to the Division of Transportation, Workplace of Inspector Normal brokers for investigating and prosecuting this case.”

“At the moment’s responsible plea demonstrates our dedication to detecting and pursuing those that interact in egregious acts of fraud that negatively have an effect on each companies and shoppers,” stated Andrea M. Kropf, Particular Agent-In-Cost, Division of Transportation Workplace of Inspector Normal, Midwestern Area. “We’re happy with our work with our prosecutorial companions in placing an finish to this very complicated ‘double-broker’ scheme.”

Padilla is scheduled for sentencing on December 7, 2022. He faces a most penalty of twenty years in jail and a $250,000 advantageous.

The case was investigated by the Division of Transportation, Workplace of Inspector Normal.