Three Cuban nationals residing in South Florida have been apprehended in Miami, accused of orchestrating an insurance fraud scheme. The operation involved staging a car accident to claim financial compensation for alleged injuries. The individuals identified are Karina Sánchez, Darvin Morlote, and his son, Kervin Morlote, all of whom are facing charges related to insurance fraud, grand theft, and accident simulation, as reported by sources cited by Telemundo 51.
The fraudulent incident reportedly took place on January 22, near Northwest 123rd Street and 7th Avenue in North Miami. Surveillance footage from a nearby parking lot revealed that the accused had gathered there hours before the supposed accident, supporting the theory that the collision was orchestrated. The vehicles involved were a gray 2020 Toyota Corolla and a silver 2000 Toyota Camry.
Investigators noted a suspicious change in Darvin Morlote's insurance policy just a day prior to the incident, where he added his son as an insured party. Following the staged crash, both claimed injuries, leading to insurance claims totaling $68,926 for medical and physical therapy expenses.
The accused reportedly sought treatment at several Miami area clinics, including Ocean Health Care Solutions, River Medical Center, Lago Medical Center, and Universal X-Rays, which billed thousands of dollars for treatments allegedly related to the staged accident. Authorities are investigating whether these clinics were complicit or unwitting participants in the fraud. One clinic had been linked to a similar previous incident.
Current Charges and Legal Proceedings
Sánchez, Morlote, and his son were eventually detained and now face multiple criminal charges, such as insurance fraud, grand theft, and accident simulation. If convicted, they could receive severe penalties. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities considering the possibility of more individuals or institutions being involved in the scheme. They are currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) in Miami-Dade County.
Part of a Broader Fraud Investigation in South Florida
This case is part of a larger investigation that has helped dismantle several insurance fraud networks in South Florida, often involving Cuban nationals. In March, three other Cuban individuals were arrested in Florida for allegedly being part of a criminal network that defrauded insurance companies of over $84,000 through premeditated car accidents and fake medical treatments.
In that instance, the suspects, identified as Pavel Vidal del Toro, Oscar Mustelier Salas, and Yislan Barrera Favier, were said to have organized a staged crash on August 20 of the previous year at the intersection of South 17th Avenue and Moffett Street in Hollywood. The scam reportedly involved two clinics, Ocean Health Care Solutions and Magic Healing, which participated by inflating claims with "fake therapy sessions." These clinics submitted false health services to justify reimbursements from insurers.
In a separate incident in February, three more Cuban individuals were arrested for leading a fraudulent scheme from a clinic in Hialeah, where patients were manipulated and false insurance claims were submitted. Initial suspicions about this fraud network arose following a traffic accident in November of the prior year. Detectives in Miami-Dade noticed discrepancies in testimonies and documents, triggering an investigation into organized fraud.
Further investigation uncovered a recurring pattern in accident reports linked to the Hialeah clinic, establishing a direct connection between the accused and the systematic staging of accidents to defraud insurers. Florida authorities have ramped up efforts against these criminal organizations that harm both insurers and honest drivers, who end up paying higher premiums due to the impact of these frauds.
Amidst the surge in cases, Miami-Dade authorities are piloting a program to detect fraudulent collisions. They are committed to tackling such fraudulent schemes, emphasizing continued surveillance of clinics and medical centers potentially involved in similar illicit activities. In the United States, losses from staged accident scams exceed $2 billion annually.
Understanding Insurance Fraud in Miami
What are the common signs of a staged car accident?
Common indicators include inconsistent witness testimonies, recent changes to insurance policies, and evidence showing the involved parties met prior to the incident.
How do insurance fraud schemes affect honest drivers?
Fraudulent claims increase overall insurance costs, leading to higher premiums for all policyholders, including honest drivers.
What measures are being taken in Miami-Dade to combat insurance fraud?
Miami-Dade authorities are piloting a program to detect fraudulent collisions and are closely monitoring clinics and medical centers for possible involvement in illegal activities.