Local law enforcement in Miami-Dade has apprehended two individuals suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated auto fraud operation that allegedly facilitated the illicit acquisition of 25 luxury vehicles, collectively valued at $1.5 million. This development was reported on Thursday by local media outlets and the County Sheriff's Office.
The suspects have been identified as Deinier Domínguez, a 39-year-old resident of Cutler Bay, and Elizabeth Gamez Pardo, a 49-year-old from Miami, according to Telemundo 51.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Auto Crimes Task Force, unearthed a suspected fraud method known as "credit bust out." This scheme involves obtaining numerous loans in quick succession before the debts register on credit reports, or manipulating those reports to hide negative information.
Police reports indicate that Domínguez served as a finance manager at Bomnin Chevrolet from 2020 to 2025, later moving to HGreg Nissan until January 2026. In this role, he allegedly orchestrated 25 loans using falsified documents and deceptive information.
Among the high-end vehicles involved were models such as the Corvette, Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Lexus, and Land Rover. Authorities noted that once acquired, these cars were illegally sub-leased, swiftly resold, transferred to third parties, or sent out of state after liens were removed and new titles obtained.
Domínguez faces multiple charges, including organized fraud, 25 counts of grand theft, 25 counts of obtaining a vehicle under false pretenses, 25 counts of acquiring goods or credit through false statements, racketeering, money laundering, and criminal solicitation.
Meanwhile, Gamez Pardo is charged with organized fraud, grand theft of a vehicle, presenting falsified documents, forgery of financial instruments, obtaining a vehicle through deception, racketeering, money laundering, and fraudulent acquisition of goods or credit.
The investigation revealed that Gamez Pardo secured a fraudulent loan for a 2024 Mercedes GLE AMG worth $128,000. Despite her claims of identity theft, investigators obtained a photograph of her receiving the car at the dealership.
During the bail hearing, a prosecutor described Domínguez as being "at the top of the pyramid" in the scheme, holding him directly accountable for approving more than $1.5 million in bogus loans. Bail was granted under the condition that Domínguez proves the funds for his release are from legitimate sources.
The Miami-Dade sheriff warned that such fraudulent activities ultimately impact consumers: "When financial institutions lose millions, those costs are passed on to families and small businesses through higher prices and increased insurance premiums," she stated, as reported by local media.
Authorities have recovered several of the vehicles and stated that the investigation remains ongoing, with further arrests anticipated in the coming months.
Understanding the Miami-Dade Auto Fraud Case
What was the method of fraud used in the Miami-Dade auto scheme?
The fraud involved a method known as "credit bust out," where multiple loans are taken out quickly before debts appear on credit reports, or credit histories are manipulated to conceal negative information.
What charges are the suspects facing in the Miami-Dade auto fraud case?
Deinier Domínguez is charged with organized fraud, grand theft, obtaining a vehicle under false pretenses, racketeering, among others. Elizabeth Gamez Pardo faces similar charges, including grand theft of a vehicle and forgery of financial instruments.
How does auto fraud affect consumers?
Fraudulent activities like this result in financial losses for institutions, which are then passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices and increased insurance premiums.