Recent actions have been reported regarding three trucking-related offenses, including a CDL testing fraud scheme, a household goods moving fraud operation, and an insurance fraud incident. These actions were revealed by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer.
New York Trucker Sentenced for CDL Testing Fraud
Aziz Akhrorov, a trucker from Queens, New York, has been sentenced to time served along with a $1,000 fine and a $100 special court fee after admitting guilt to his involvement in a conspiracy to illegally produce commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
The OIG reported that Akhrorov compromised CDL testing procedures at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles by recruiting applicants from New York, primarily of Russian descent. He directed these applicants to his accomplice, Taras Chabanovych, who would charge up to $2,600 per referral. Chabanovych assisted the applicants in fraudulently acquiring documents to prove fake Florida residency and helped them pass the CDL examination.
New Jersey Employee Arrested in Household Goods Moving Scheme
In Paramus, New Jersey, Richard Bishara has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit fraud related to a scheme involving household goods moving.
Between May 2010 and February 2015, Bishara and his accomplices reportedly operated various companies that provided low initial price quotes for moving household items. After loading the items onto trucks, they would increase prices once the goods were no longer in the customers’ possession. The OIG stated that these companies consistently charged higher final prices than the federally regulated increase allowed for estimates.
Miami Trucking Owner Charged with Insurance Fraud
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Kenny Niebla, the owner-operator of Andoba Trucking Company and Sea Trucking in Hialeah, for allegedly selling fake insurance coverage. He reportedly issued certificates of insurance worth nearly $60,000 to three local truckers.
Investigators uncovered that Niebla collected monthly insurance premiums from October 2017 to June 2018, amounting to $59,675, which were never applied to any insurance policies as promised. Instead, Niebla retained the funds for his personal use. The scheme came to light when one of the trucks was involved in an accident that incurred over $78,000 in damages without insurance coverage.
