Authorities in Miami-Dade have taken six individuals into custody, accusing them of embezzling over $5.8 million from five condominium associations in a scheme uncovered by the two-year investigation known as "Operation Sundown," announced on Thursday by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
The alleged mastermind behind this operation is Juan Awais, age 60. Utilizing his property management companies, Awais allegedly infiltrated the boards of condominium associations, channeling funds into personal accounts via a network of affiliated companies.
Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the operation as a "brazen criminal enterprise," claiming that Awais "constructed a network designed to create opportunities to siphon money from the associations he was supposed to serve."
Alongside Awais, Michael Irizarry, Delma Alonso, Johana Barrios Pérez-Tapia, Juliet Ramos, and Cynthea Louise Waltz were arrested and face charges including criminal conspiracy, money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud, according to court records.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
The victims, primarily elderly, Spanish-speaking board members, placed their trust in those managing their communities. "The board members had no real understanding of the fraudulent activities occurring," stated Cordero-Stutz.
The fraud was systematic: the accused submitted invoices for services not provided or for previously paid work, funneling money into their accounts. Awais also manipulated board members into signing documents they didn't fully understand, allowing him control over the associations' operations and finances.
Devastation Following Hurricane Irma
One of the most telling incidents occurred after Hurricane Irma. Mira Villa association received a $796,000 insurance check for repairs, but a significant portion was diverted to companies linked to the accused. "Homeowners were grappling with the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, expecting insurance funds to repair their homes. Instead, substantial amounts were siphoned off by individuals with no rightful claim to the money," said the sheriff.
The five affected condominiums include Mira Villa Condo Association, Los Sueños Condo, Samari Lake East Condo Association, Lago Grande, and Country Lake Manors, predominantly located in or around Hialeah.
Investigation and Future Actions
During the investigation, detectives executed seven search warrants on phones, computers, and electronic documents. Evidence of obstruction was also found, with suspects allegedly submitting incomplete or newly fabricated documents and discouraging board members from speaking with the police.
"This impacted hundreds of families across Miami-Dade County. We hope for more arrests as the investigation progresses. The $5.8 million we’ve identified may only be part of a larger sum," warned Cordero-Stutz.
Awais remains detained with a bail set at $3,002,500 at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Alonso's bail is $2,202,500; Ramos, $722,500; and Pérez-Tapia, $720,000.
This case marks the largest condo fraud in Miami-Dade since The Hammocks HOA scandal, where over $11 million was misappropriated, leading to a seven-year prison sentence for the former president. In 2025, Miami-Dade launched a digital portal to report condo fraud, receiving 81 complaints within the first two weeks.
Understanding the Miami-Dade Condo Fraud Case
Who is Juan Awais?
Juan Awais is the alleged mastermind behind the $5.8 million fraud scheme targeting Miami-Dade condominium associations. He used his property management companies to infiltrate and exploit these associations.
What was the role of the condominium boards in the fraud?
The board members, primarily trusting elderly individuals, unknowingly facilitated the fraud by signing documents they didn't fully understand, allowing Awais to control the associations' finances.
How did the fraud scheme operate?
The accused submitted fraudulent invoices for nonexistent or previously paid services, redirecting funds into their own accounts through a web of affiliated companies.