Investigators say a property-management network diverted association dues, insurance proceeds and other funds during a scheme affecting hundreds of families.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL — Six people have been arrested in an alleged fraud and racketeering scheme that investigators say diverted at least $5.8 million from five condominium associations in Miami-Dade County, following a two-year investigation by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
The Organized Crimes Bureau investigation, called Operation Sundown, focused on property manager Juan Awais, 60, whom authorities identified as the primary subject of the case. Investigators allege Awais used property-management companies, affiliated vendors and relationships with association boards to gain undisclosed control over community finances. Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said Thursday that the confirmed losses have reached $5.8 million and could increase as detectives continue reviewing records.
The sheriff’s office identified the other people arrested as Juliet Ramos, 37; Johana Perez Tapia, 31; Delma Alonso, 53; Cynthea Louise Waltz; and Michael Irizarry. Authorities said the investigation involved family members, employees and several affiliated companies. Awais faces charges that include racketeering, money laundering, organized fraud, grand theft and accepting or soliciting a kickback. Ramos, Perez Tapia and Alonso also face racketeering, money laundering and organized fraud charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said the alleged scheme affected Mira Villa Condo Association, Los Suenos Condo, Samari Lake East Condo Association, Lago Grande and Country Lake Manors. Most of the properties are in or around Hialeah. Authorities said hundreds of families were affected because the money involved was supposed to support expenses and services paid for through association dues and other community funds.
According to investigators, Awais gained the trust of association board members, many of whom were elderly and primarily Spanish-speaking. Authorities allege some members were misled into signing documents they did not fully understand, giving those involved in the scheme greater control over association operations and finances. Cordero-Stutz said some board members apparently were unaware of what was happening with the organizations’ money.
Detectives allege money was diverted through several methods. Authorities said invoices were submitted for work that had already been paid for or for services that were never performed. Funds intended for roofing, security, landscaping, collections and general renovations were among the money allegedly diverted. Investigators also said association dues, loan proceeds, insurance money and collection revenue moved through the network while ownership links among companies were concealed.
In one instance described by the sheriff, hundreds of thousands of dollars from an insurance payment intended to repair hurricane damage at a building were allegedly taken instead. Investigators said falsified invoices and other documents were used in parts of the scheme and money was transferred into personal accounts. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.
The two-year investigation included seven search warrants and extensive examinations of digital evidence, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators also allege there were attempts to interfere with the inquiry, including supplying incomplete or newly created documents and discouraging association board members from speaking with law enforcement.
Florida corporate records list Awais as the manager and registered agent of Sunshine Management Services LLC, an active Florida company formed in 2015. The state records also connect him with several other business entities. Authorities allege property-management companies and affiliated vendors were central to the financial arrangements being investigated, though the existence of a corporate connection alone does not establish criminal conduct.
Cordero-Stutz said authorities have so far documented $5.8 million in losses but believe the final figure could be significantly higher. She said investigators hope the continuing inquiry will lead to additional arrests. The sheriff’s office has not announced that the investigation is complete, and some details about the individual allegations and charges remain subject to court proceedings.
As of Friday, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said Operation Sundown remained active. Investigators are continuing to examine the flow of association money and other records as they determine whether additional people, companies or losses are connected to the alleged scheme.
Author note: Last updated August 28, 2026.