MOUNT BELLEVUE, TX – A major fraud investigation in Mount Bellevue has led to the arrest of 40 individuals involved in a dark web data breach scheme. The police identified 35 victims who discovered money missing from their bank accounts without any action on their part.
The investigation began in June when local authorities noticed a trend in fraud reports. By collaborating with other departments, they traced the scheme back to a local group. Four individuals from Baytown, identified as Gregory Edwards, Doc Frank, Jason Gibson, and Joel McGilberry, have been charged with money laundering and organized criminal activity.
The suspects allegedly accessed financial information from the dark web, using it to wire money out of victims’ accounts. The stolen amount ranges between $360,000 and $600,000. Many of those arrested were accused of providing their bank accounts to funnel the stolen funds, often friends or family of the main suspects.
Chief Ellison explained that the criminals needed clean accounts to transfer the stolen money. They recruited individuals through social media, promising easy money for their cooperation. This recruitment was essential for their operation’s success.
As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to prevent further fraud and educate the public on protecting their financial data. Additional information on how to avoid such schemes will be provided in future updates.