Scam Type
Other Scam
Business Name Used
Unavailable
Date Reported
June 23, 2023
Postal Code
28075
Total Dollars Lost
$ 700000
Scam Description
Investigative Report
I have reviewed all of the materials you provided. Upon review, it is evident this is a more sophisticated group with many of the transfers being sent to Hong Kong. This is dissimilar from many of the historical fraud schemes. The actors involved in this scheme might be an organized crime group operating out of countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia or Vietnam. These are all proximate to Thailand, the original country of reference to your so-called criminal violation. It is possible these schemes are being operated by organized crime groups with ties to China. There is also suspicion these activities might be occurring with state-sponsorship.
In reviewing the information you have forwarded to date, I see certain transfers that present leads for investigation. The transfers to Hong Kong cannot be eliminated as leads, but they are unlikely to yield tangible results on a cost-effective basis. Working with a limited budget, we would be more focused on other leads that present better likelihood of benefit. There are other details in your possession we would be interested to work with to include phony documents, email addresses and the full content of various communications – particularly those with wiring instructions. The sequence and dates of events is also relevant to proper analysis and understanding of the evolution of the scheme. This can provide insight into problems the actors might have encountered during the course of the scheme and their changes in destinations for your funds transfers.
This is not an easy case. It should be investigated by law enforcement. Cases of this type have national security implications.
In review of your communications with PNC, I believe they dropped the ball. You engaged in an ongoing and extensive amount of communications and activities involving PNC that should have triggered multiple red flags. I believe a good law firm would have a field day with this in pursuing a remedy from the bank. That amount of initial investigation could provide certain benefits. The goal is an option.
I believe for a limited time would be to establish further information related to the actors and certain recipient companies and individuals. The investigation would be limited in scope and the results cannot be guaranteed as this is a very difficult circumstance. Nevertheless, beneficial information might be produced. Any findings can have a potential benefit in gaining assistance from law enforcement or providing more insight to any other party working to provide assistance (i.e. law firm).
Best regards,
Douglas A. Roth
Director of Investigations
Investigative Resources International LLC
2029 Century Park E, Suite 400 N, Los Angeles, California 90067
www.factfind.com | 323.272.6988 Office | 888.370-5557 Toll Free USA
