Twelve people were arrested in Santa Clara County following an investigation into a mail theft fraud ring, according to police. The arrests took place earlier this month after officers responded to a reported mail theft on August 5 in the 1900 block of Hillebrant Place in Santa Clara.
Investigation and Arrests
Surveillance footage revealed a suspect fleeing the scene in a black Lexus, leading police to the vehicle. Detectives later discovered that the driver was part of a larger fraud ring that specialized in mail theft across Santa Clara County. Two fraudulently rented apartments were identified as locations where the suspects conducted their illegal activities.
On Wednesday, detectives executed search warrants in Santa Clara and San Jose, leading to the arrest of nine suspects. Later that day, police executed another search warrant at the Moreland Apartment complex, resulting in the arrest of three additional suspects.
Items Recovered
A search of the apartments uncovered large amounts of stolen mail, U.S. Postal Service mail keys, uniforms, and locks, along with narcotics, body armor, and notebooks containing Personal Identifying Information (PII). Among the stolen items were identification cards, checkbooks, passports, credit cards, and other documents linked to dozens of victims.
The suspects were charged with multiple crimes, including possession of stolen property, narcotics offenses, fraud, and resisting arrest.
Suspects Identified
The suspects arrested were identified as:
- Ngoai Nguyen (42)
- Melizza Hufana (43)
- Raquel Tendencia (34)
- Lim Vo (30)
- Sean Finn (43)
- Paolo Bartido (39)
- Glenn Nguyen (32)
- Vu Thi (38)
- Dary Pech (41)
- Christie Entac (33)
- Eun Chong (34)
- Tiffany Terada (42)
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify additional victims and collaborators involved in the fraud ring. The suspects face multiple felony charges as law enforcement works to dismantle the entire operation.