Two suspects were arrested for an extensive credit card theft and identity fraud scheme targeting multiple victims across Southern California, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.
The suspects, Veronika Kushnareva, 32, from San Jose, and Richard Kissinger, 40, from Walnut, were caught after using a stolen credit card to make purchases at a Newport Beach hotel.
Investigation & Arrest
In late February, a victim reported that their credit card never arrived in the mail. Authorities tracked the stolen card’s use to the Newport Beach hotel, where officers quickly located Kushnareva and Kissinger. The suspects were also found in possession of a stolen vehicle.
Kushnareva was discovered inside a hotel room with stolen credit cards, blank business checks, a laptop, a printer, fake money, and a high-end radio jammer—tools commonly used in fraud schemes. She was arrested for possession of property obtained through credit card fraud and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Kissinger, found hiding in a motel stairwell, was identified as the person who used the stolen card and drove the stolen vehicle.
Widespread Fraud Scheme
Police believe the suspects targeted victims from Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and Fontana. So far, authorities have contacted 15 victims but are searching for more.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to uncover the full scope of the fraud. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement.
