Yveler Marcellus was found guilty by a federal jury in Brooklyn of conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. The conviction stems from his role in a transnational telemarketing scheme that defrauded dozens of victims, many of whom were elderly, out of more than $12 million between January 2022 and December 2023.
The verdict was announced by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Daniel Brubaker, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), New York Division. The trial lasted five days before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon. Marcellus faces up to 40 years in prison when sentenced.
According to prosecutors, Marcellus worked with a group based in New York and co-conspirators abroad to carry out the fraudulent operation. Co-conspirators located in India would contact victims by phone and persuade them to send checks or money orders to addresses in the Eastern District of New York controlled by Marcellus and others. After receiving these funds, Marcellus and his U.S.-based associates laundered the proceeds through various bank accounts before distributing shares among themselves and sending remaining funds back to India.
United States Attorney Nocella stated: “The evidence showed that Yveler Marcellus worked closely with a crew based in New York, along with co-conspirators abroad, to perpetrate a sprawling, transnational money laundering and fraud scheme that cruelly preyed on vulnerable victims’ fears that their money was compromised and that they were running afoul of the law. Today’s verdict underscores our Office’s commitment to vigorously prosecute criminals who conspire with foreign actors for their own monetary gain and to the financial detriment of elderly and other vulnerable victims.”
Nocella also thanked Homeland Security Investigations in New York and the Nassau County Police Department for their support on this case.
Inspector Brubaker commented: “Postal Inspectors have long investigated telemarketing scams and mail fraud, and unfortunately the elderly are often victims of these schemes by greedy and callous individuals. This verdict is another victory for consumers, and sends a strong message to those who use the U.S. Mail to prey on our seniors, you will be brought to justice and pay for your crimes. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to combating elder fraud designed to defraud innocent victims primarily by illegal use of the U.S. Mail, and we continue taking steps to educate Americans about the dangers of various types of frauds.”
Seven other individuals involved in this scheme have already pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Molly Delaney and David Berman from the General Crimes Section, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists John Schneider and Erin Payne.
Marcellus is 32 years old from Brooklyn, New York.
