Authorities have charged 24 individuals in an elaborate bank fraud ring.
NEW BRUNSWICK -- Authorities have charged 24 people in what they describe as an elaborate "large-scale international bank fraud ring," involving a $1 million scheme to steal from banks and corporations, according to a statement from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
The individuals -- who were charged on Tuesday -- allegedly withdrew or wired money overseas before victims or banks conducting the wire transfers became aware of the fraudulent activity, the Prosecutor's Office said in the statement.
Often, the fraud included hacking people's email accounts.
The leader of the ring, 26-year-old Carlos Alcantara, of South Amboy, and several of his associates, allegedly created companies to dupe "unwitting companies and individuals to wire significant sums of money to newly-established, but fraudulent corporate bank accounts," officials said.
Officials also allege that Alcantara and his associates fraudulently acquired more than $1 million, while fraudulently wiring more than $8 million from victims' accounts.
The individuals face charges of money laundering, conspiracy and theft.
Arrests were part of an "ongoing investigation" that officials say began after Perth Amboy police officers conducted a routine traffic stop on a motorist who was later found to be part of the bank fraud ring, the statement said.
The other individuals charged include: Mohamed A. Hadgiev, 38, of Carteret; Edgar Lara-Mercedes, 27, of Edison; Jessica Smith, 28, of Fords; Kenneth McCarthy, 43, of Newark, and Jamel Lark, 38, and Cynthia Weaver, 33, both of South Plainfield; Eddie Perry, 46, and Kim Gormley, 41, both of Spotswood, and Joseph Rawlins, 46, Steven Tunnell, 58, and Glenn W. Yourstone Jr., 42, all of Woodbridge.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Det. Ryan Tighe, of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, at (732) 745-3300.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.