The United States Attorney, Roger B. Handberg, has announced the unsealing of an indictment against four individuals charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and money laundering. The accused are Daniel Liburdi from Miami, Joseph Scotto from Bay Shore, NY, Gregory Walker from Ontario, Canada, and Frank Carbone III from Orlando. Additionally, Liburdi and Carbone III face charges of bank fraud.

Each charge of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison. The conspiracy to commit money laundering offense could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years. The indictment includes a notice that the U.S. government intends to seize three residences in Miami Beach and one in the U.S. Virgin Islands, allegedly linked to the criminal activities. Furthermore, the government seeks forfeiture amounting to $128,144,908.66.

According to the indictment details, Liburdi, Scotto, Walker, and Carbone are accused of submitting fraudulent applications to U.S. financial institutions for merchant processing accounts using personal information obtained under false pretenses from unsuspecting individuals. These accounts enabled them to accept credit and debit card payments for an e-commerce business employing high-risk sales techniques while shielding themselves from liability.

The indictment also accuses the defendants of conspiring to launder proceeds from their fraudulent activities by paying for services that promoted their scheme and moving funds through controlled bank accounts.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a formal accusation and does not imply guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Tampa) and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (Tampa), with additional support from various other agencies including those in Miami and New York. Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Duso will prosecute the case.