Overview
- The federal indictment, unsealed this week in San Diego, charges 22 Southern California defendants with roles in a transnational conspiracy targeting U.S. seniors.
- Agents reported 19 arrests during coordinated raids, with initial court appearances expected this week for Marion and many co-defendants.
- Court filings describe a three-step operation that began with fake tech-support pop-ups, progressed to bogus refunds using remote access, and ended with laundering victim payments overseas.
- Investigators say they have identified more than 500 victims and over $40 million in losses tied to the San Diego network, while authorities believe the broader scheme may have taken more than $400 million.
- Prosecutors allege the local crew used shell companies and bank accounts, recruited through Mecca Barbershop, and that some members traveled to Thailand for training, as two associates in related cases have already pleaded guilty.