Miami-Dade County, Florida — Detectives with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office say they have uncovered a sophisticated auto loan fraud ring involving dealership finance managers, brokers and so-called “straw buyers,” with more than $1.5 million in fraudulent loans tied to one suspect alone.
Investigators with the Organized Crimes Bureau’s Auto Crimes Task Force described a system in which finance managers allegedly bypassed dealership and lender guidelines to secure auto loans that otherwise would not have been approved.
Deputies say the scheme harmed auto dealers, lenders and everyday consumers, who ultimately pay higher prices due to losses from fraudulent activity.
Finance Manager Accused of Circumventing Lending Rules
In a recent case, detectives identified Deinier Dominguez, 39, as a key suspect. Dominguez worked as a financial manager at Bomnin Chevrolet and later at Hgreg Nissan, according to arrest reports.
Investigators allege Dominguez helped facilitate more than $1.5 million in fraudulent loans by using falsified application information to obtain approvals.
“A finance manager will often circumvent dealership lending guidelines in violation of dealership and lending institution contracts,” a deputy wrote in the arrest report.
Authorities also identified Dagma Cecilia Reyes Jaime as an alleged broker who recruited individuals to act as straw buyers.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
According to deputies, brokers acted as recruiters, connecting finance managers with individuals willing to use their credit and identity in exchange for compensation.
“Straw buyers are only tasked with signing loan documents, as auto brokers themselves then take physical possession of the vehicles,” a deputy stated.
Investigators identified 11 alleged straw buyers connected to the case.
In one instance, deputies say Juan Campos, 85, purchased six vehicles — including two Corvettes and a Lexus GX — within days, allegedly using fraudulent application information to secure nearly $435,800 in loan approvals.
His son, Ariel Campos, 34, was also reportedly involved after being recruited by a broker.
Authorities say criminal organizations distribute small amounts of cash to straw buyers, cover down payments and then share in illegal profits.
‘Credit Bust Out’ Tactic
Another part of the scheme allegedly involved a tactic known as a “credit bust out.”
This occurs when a person uses available credit — personal, business or synthetic — to obtain a loan with the intent to default.
Deputies say Carlos Mesa Reyes, 43, signed prefilled loan documents to borrow nearly $539,000 for multiple vehicles in January 2025.
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The broker allegedly paid Mesa Reyes $15,200 to cover initial payments before cutting him off.
Before the first payment came due, investigators say the vehicles were transferred, exported or put up for sale in other states.
‘Title Washing’ and Lien Fraud
Detectives also uncovered alleged “title washing” practices tied to a 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43.
Authorities say the vehicle originally carried a Florida title with an active lien. After transfer, it was issued a New Jersey title — effectively removing the lien without the lender’s approval.
“This is the illegal practice of fraudulently removing a lien from a vehicle’s title to deprive the lien holder of their financial interest,” a deputy wrote.
By eliminating the lien, suspects could allegedly resell or export vehicles without financial encumbrances.
Straw Buyers Left Facing Consequences
One alleged straw buyer, Juan Belledonne, 60, told investigators he was promised a monthly stipend while a broker rented out vehicles on his behalf.
Instead, he was left with:
- Unpaid vehicle loans
- Outstanding traffic citations
- Unpaid toll violations
- Fraudulent insurance claims
Arrests and Charges
Deputies arrested Reyes Jaime and Dominguez early Wednesday morning in separate locations in Miami-Dade County. Both were booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Dominguez faces 79 charges, including grand theft, organized fraud, racketeering and money laundering.
Reyes Jaime faces 10 charges, including organized fraud, racketeering and grand theft vehicle.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to examine the full scope of the alleged fraud network.
Have you ever encountered suspicious dealership practices? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
