4 Illegal Aliens Arrested in Fraud Scheme, Fifth Still at Large
Federal agents arrest four illegal aliens in California for credit card and bankruptcy fraud. A fifth suspect remains at large.
2 min read
Four illegal aliens were arrested in a pre-dawn raid in Orange County and Long Beach, California, for allegedly using stolen Social Security numbers to rack up tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt before filing for bankruptcy to erase the balances. The arrests were part of a broader federal investigation into a widespread fraud scheme.
Arrests and Charges
Among those arrested was Abel Ávila Martínez, a 48-year-old Mexican national who was previously deported from the United States in 1999. Federal authorities allege that Martínez used fraudulent Social Security numbers to accumulate thousands of dollars in debt. He was reportedly tracked by federal agents using high-flying drones from his home to a car parked in an Orange County neighborhood. As he entered the vehicle, roughly 20 agents in tactical gear blocked the vehicle and called for him to surrender.
In November 2024, Martínez applied for a PayPal credit card using a misused Social Security number and was approved for one with a $6,250 credit limit. In January 2025, he used the card at a Guitar Center store for a $1,185 purchase, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California.
Other Defendants and Legal Proceedings
The other three defendants were also arrested Thursday morning and later appeared in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana and Los Angeles. Each faces up to 15 years in federal prison. During their initial appearance, the judge formally advised them of their rights and charges, addressed legal representation, and determined conditions of pretrial detention or bail.
Fifth Suspect Still At Large
A fifth suspect, Moisés Ortuño-Claras, a 47-year-old Mexican national from Anaheim, remains at large. Federal authorities are still actively searching for him in connection with the fraud scheme.
Statement from Federal Authorities
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Burke stated, “Identity theft inflicts severe and lasting damage on the financial well-being of hardworking Americans. These arrests send the clear message that HSI and our partners are dedicated to rooting out financial fraud and protecting the public from those who lie and steal to illegally enrich themselves at the expense of innocent people.”
Source: OANN
