VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — Two Los Angeles County men have been arrested in connection with a construction scam that defrauded multiple Ventura County residents out of more than $1.3 million, authorities said.
Ben Nino Hunter, 51, of Hidden Hills, and Moran Elkarif, 44, of Los Angeles, face seven felony counts, including grand theft, conspiracy to defraud another’s property, and diversion of construction funds. They also face two misdemeanor charges for contracting without a license and accepting excessive payment. Special allegations include targeting vulnerable victims, abusing positions of trust, and causing substantial financial loss, according to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.
Investigators said Hunter and Elkarif operated under business names like Welbilt Inc. and Archie Inc., carrying out similar schemes across multiple construction projects. In one case, they were hired for mold remediation work but allegedly caused extensive damage, demanded extra payments, and failed to complete the job. At least two other Ventura County residents reported similar conduct.
The investigation began in September 2024 after a victim reported the alleged fraud. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation’s Consumer Fraud Unit led the probe. Both men were arrested at their Los Angeles County homes on December 3.
Chief Investigator Scott Whitney warned that these crimes harm victims financially and emotionally while undermining trust in legitimate contractors. He urged any additional victims to contact Contractors State License Board Investigator Matthew Boeck at (909) 890-2240.
Hunter and Elkarif appeared in court on December 4 and are scheduled for arraignment and risk assessment hearings on December 8 at the Ventura County Superior Court. Both remain in custody with bail set at $200,000.
