HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Claudio Maria Cassina, 53, has been arrested on charges of organized fraud and investment fraud, according to Hollywood police and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
The arrest stems from a lengthy investigation that began in 2021, which revealed that Cassina had deceived at least six victims out of more than $250,000. Authorities claim he posed as a legitimate stock investor under the guise of “CMC Option Trade LLC,” providing potential victims with screenshots of fake investment accounts to gain their trust.
As part of his fraudulent scheme, Cassina issued nearly $30,000 in checks as returns on the investments; however, these checks later bounced due to insufficient funds, raising suspicions among his victims. Investigators found that Cassina lacked a stock trading license and misappropriated the funds for personal use, including cash withdrawals and wire transfers to himself and family members shortly after receiving the funds.
Authorities suspect there may be additional victims who have been defrauded by Cassina.
Jail records indicate that Cassina is charged with one count each of first-degree organized fraud and first-degree fraud investment transactions. As of Wednesday, he remains in custody at the Broward Main Jail with a $50,000 bond.