ALBANY, N.Y.–Four more people have been arrested in what officials are calling a “sophisticated fraud scheme” that targeted credit union shared branches.
Four other people also allegedly involved in the scheme were arrested in late 2023.
According to prosecutors, the conspiracy, which began in December 2021, resulted in more than $1 million in losses as the defendants allegedly used fake identifications to perform fraudulent transactions.
Victor Barriera, Jerjuan Joyner, Akeem Balogun, and Lesley Lucchese are among those charged in the indictment for bank fraud conspiracy and other related charges. The fraudulent activities, which spanned across Albany, Clinton, Rensselaer, and Saratoga counties in New York, funded the purchase of luxury items such as Rolex watches, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and high-end fashion, according to United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and FBI Special Agent Craig L. Tremaroli.
The accused face up to 30 years for bank fraud if arrested.
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