A former South Florida dealership finance manager and an alleged straw buyer are facing multiple felony charges after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as a large-scale “credit bust out” scheme involving more than $1.5 million in vehicle loans.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, 39-year-old Deinier Dominguez of Cutler Bay and 49-year-old Elizabeth Gamez Pardo of Miami were arrested Wednesday following an investigation by the agency’s Auto Crimes Task Force.
Alleged $1.5 Million Fraud Scheme
Investigators say Dominguez orchestrated the scheme while working as a finance manager at Bomnin Chevrolet from 2020 to 2025 and later at HGreg Nissan from 2025 until January 2026.
Authorities allege Dominguez originated 25 fraudulent automobile loans totaling $1,518,701.70. The vehicles reportedly included high-end models such as Corvettes, Tahoes, Jeeps, BMWs, Mercedes, Cadillac, Lexus, and Land Rover SUVs.
A “credit bust out” scheme typically involves rapidly purchasing multiple vehicles before the loans appear on credit reports, or manipulating credit histories to hide negative activity. Suspects may then illegally sublease the vehicles, transfer titles to other states, or sell them on the black market.
Charges Filed
Dominguez faces charges including:
Organized fraud
25 counts of grand theft
25 counts of obtaining a vehicle by trick
25 counts of obtaining property or credit by false statement
Racketeering
Money laundering
Criminal solicitation
Gamez Pardo is charged with organized fraud, grand theft of a vehicle, racketeering, money laundering, criminal solicitation, uttering forged instruments, forging bank bills or promissory notes, and obtaining property or credit by false statement.
Alleged Straw Buyer Role
Investigators identified Gamez Pardo as an alleged straw buyer in the scheme. Authorities say she claimed identity theft after a loan was opened in her name for a 2024 Mercedes GLE AMG valued at $128,000.
However, detectives reportedly obtained a photo showing her receiving the keys to the vehicle at the dealership. Records indicate Dominguez handled the financing for that transaction.
“In this case, Mr. Dominguez’s role as the finance manager is directly responsible for $1,518,701.70 in fraudulent automotive loans issued,” investigators stated in the arrest report.
Court Appearance and Response
Dominguez appeared in bond court Thursday. Prosecutors described him as “the top of the pyramid,” alleging he approved roughly $1.5 million in fraudulent loans. A judge granted bond but required proof that the funds used to post it were legally obtained.
Authorities said only “a handful” of the vehicles have been recovered so far.
In a statement, HGreg said it terminated Dominguez’s employment immediately upon learning of the investigation and has fully cooperated with authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out additional arrests.
