$5.8M HOA FRAUD CASE IN MIAMI-DADE: SIX ARRESTED

🚨 $5.8 million. That is the size of the alleged HOA and condo fraud scheme behind six arrests in Miami-Dade.

WPLG Local 10 reports the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office wrapped a two-year investigation it called "Operation Sundown," involving seven search warrants and extensive digital forensic work.

Investigators say the primary subject, Juan Awais, 60, owned a property management company and allegedly used companies he owned, plus affiliated vendors, to hold undisclosed control over the associations his own firm managed.

The alleged method is the part that stings. According to MDSO, elderly, primarily Spanish-speaking board members were misled into signing documents they did not fully understand. Those documents allegedly handed over control of association operations and finances.

From there, investigators allege the group diverted association dues, insurance and loan proceeds, and collection revenues, while concealing who owned what and where the money went. MDSO describes it as a racketeering enterprise involving family members, employees and several affiliated companies with undisclosed connections.

Investigators also allege obstruction: incomplete or newly created documents, and board members discouraged from speaking with law enforcement.

Those named by MDSO are Awais, Juliet Ramos, 37, Johana Perez Tapia, 31, Delma Alonso, 53, Cynthea Louise Waltz and Michael Irizarry. Awais faces charges including racketeering, money laundering, organized fraud, grand theft and accepting or soliciting a kickback. Ramos, Perez Tapia and Alonso also face racketeering, money laundering and multiple organized fraud counts. MDSO did not detail charges against Waltz or Irizarry, who were arrested by Pembroke Pines police.

None of it has been proven. Arrests are accusations.

Do you actually know who controls your HOA's money?

#HOA #MiamiDade #Fraud #RealEstate #causeanuproar