Federal agents have arrested 11 individuals in connection with an elaborate fraud scheme that bilked hundreds of grandparents across New England out of millions of dollars.

The FBI arrested the suspects, including six from the Dominican Republic, for their alleged roles in an international mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering operation targeting seniors. As reported by WMUR, the sophisticated scheme specifically targeted elderly residents in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine through deceptive phone calls.

The criminal operation used scripted calls where perpetrators impersonated grandchildren, attorneys or law enforcement officers. These callers claimed that the seniors' loved ones were in trouble and urgently needed money for legal fees or other emergencies.

International criminal network exposed

The scam operated as an organized criminal enterprise with call center employees systematically tracking their daily monetary gains from vulnerable seniors. FBI investigators discovered that the operation maintained detailed records of the amounts stolen through their fraudulent activities each day. The scheme demonstrates the international nature of modern elder fraud, with coordination between suspects in the United States and the Dominican Republic.

More than 400 seniors fell victim to this elaborate deception, with the majority of targets located in Massachusetts. The financial impact was devastating, with victims collectively losing approximately $5 million to the fraudulent operation. The organized nature of the scheme allowed perpetrators to maximize their illegal profits while causing significant financial and emotional harm to elderly victims across multiple states.

Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks emphasized the significant damage caused by the criminal enterprise. The investigation revealed the callous nature of the operation and its impact on vulnerable senior citizens throughout New England. Federal authorities worked across state and international borders to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in this complex fraud scheme.

Mastermind's callous approach revealed

Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia allegedly served as the mastermind behind the entire operation, according to federal investigators. FBI Special Agent in Charge Docks revealed Garcia's disturbing attitude toward potential victims, stating that he referred to prospective targets in New Hampshire and Maine as "fresh meat." This language demonstrates the calculated and predatory nature of the criminal enterprise targeting elderly residents.

The alleged leader showed no remorse for exploiting seniors' emotions and concerns about their grandchildren's welfare. Garcia allegedly used the stolen funds to support his lavish lifestyle while causing financial devastation to hundreds of elderly victims. The investigation revealed how the operation specifically targeted seniors' emotional vulnerabilities regarding their family members' safety and well-being.

Federal authorities believe Garcia orchestrated the international aspects of the scheme, coordinating between call centers and money laundering operations. The investigation uncovered evidence of the sophisticated planning required to execute such a large-scale fraud operation across multiple jurisdictions. Prosecutors will likely seek significant penalties given the scope and international nature of the alleged crimes.

Investigation continues for additional victims

Federal investigators suspect additional victims may exist who have not yet reported their losses to authorities. The FBI encourages anyone who believes they may have been targeted by similar schemes to come forward with information. Officials emphasize that many elderly fraud victims feel embarrassed about being deceived and may be reluctant to report their experiences to law enforcement.

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center provides a platform for victims to file reports about elder fraud and similar schemes. Law enforcement agencies use these reports to identify patterns and coordinate investigations into organized criminal activities. The reporting process helps federal agents track the scope of fraud operations and identify additional suspects or victims.

Authorities stress the importance of education and awareness in preventing future elder fraud schemes targeting grandparents and other seniors. The investigation serves as a reminder for families to establish verification protocols when receiving urgent requests for money from supposed relatives in distress. Federal agents continue working to identify any remaining aspects of this criminal network and prevent similar operations from targeting vulnerable elderly residents.

Why This Story Matters

This story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our communities, especially among seniors who may trust more readily. It underscores the need for awareness and education about scams that prey on emotions and goodwill. We must rally together to protect our elderly neighbors and ensure they have the resources to identify and report fraud.

The FBI believes there may be more victims who have yet to come forward, which amplifies the urgency of spreading this information. Our collective responsibility is to create a safer environment where such predatory schemes find no foothold.

A Call for Community Vigilance

In conclusion, this international mail, wire, and money-laundering scheme saw 11 arrests in Manchester, N.H., with six suspects hailing from the Dominican Republic, targeting over 400 seniors, mostly in Massachusetts, and stealing $5 million through deceptive calls impersonating loved ones or officials.