Houston, Texas – Two Houston men have been convicted in connection to a major mail theft and credit card fraud operation that caused nearly $1 million in losses, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The defendants, 39-year-old Bradley Kane Zarco and 28-year-old Travis Castaneda Qawasmeh, admitted to stealing U.S. mail that contained new credit cards and bank statements. The stolen cards were then fraudulently activated, and personal details were altered to gain control of the victims’ accounts.
Authorities said the men contacted financial institutions to activate at least 120 stolen credit cards, raise spending limits, and make purchases using the accounts. The fraudulently obtained cards were used to buy merchandise, services, gift cards, and more from retail outlets.
The scheme resulted in approximately $1 million in damages to Chase Bank alone.
In addition to Zarco and Qawasmeh, three other individuals—Daniel Rios Sanchez, 35; Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade, 62; and Dennis Christopher McGee, 41—have also pleaded guilty in the same case. At least one suspect was reportedly living in Houston without legal immigration status.
Federal Judge Andrew S. Hanen has accepted the guilty pleas. Sentencing is scheduled for August 11. While Qawasmeh was allowed to remain free on bond, the remaining defendants are in custody.
