By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–A large-scale law enforcement operation targeting an international elder fraud network led to 19 arrests and searches on Wednesday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
The operation was conducted jointly by the Sheriff’s Elder Abuse Unit and Transportation Unit in partnership with the FBI’s San Diego Elder Justice Task Force. Authorities said those named in the warrants are believed to be members and associates of a global scam network that has been active since July 2021.
Investigators estimate that more than 500 elderly victims across the United States have collectively lost over $40 million to the fraudulent scheme. Several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies took part in the coordinated effort.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office commended the collaboration between agencies and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable residents from financial exploitation.
Anyone with information about suspected elder scams or related criminal activity is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (858) 868-3200.
