Two Men Charged in Nationwide Fraud Scheme
Gwinnett County Police have charged two men in connection with a significant nationwide fraud scheme, involving at least eight companies and over $440,000 in losses. One of the suspects, Winston Dugan, was apprehended while attempting to cash a fraudulent check.
Caught Red-Handed at the Bank
Winston Dugan was caught by Gwinnett County Police while trying to cash a bogus check at a Fifth Third Bank in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The confrontation was captured on body cam video, revealing Dugan presenting a fake ID and acting innocent when questioned by the officers.
Discovery of Multiple Fraudulent Bank Accounts
During the arrest, police confiscated Dugan’s cell phone and discovered multiple fraudulent bank accounts. Investigators linked Dugan to larger crimes, involving over $400,000 in fraud. He targeted companies nationwide by sending emails posing as a vendor, prompting them to change or add banking information. This allowed the thieves to intercept funds intended for legitimate businesses.
Fraudulent Activities Spanning Multiple States
Dugan’s fraudulent activities spanned several states, including California, Texas, and Florida. In the summer of 2022, an employee of a company in Illinois was tricked into sending money to what she believed was a vendor, but the funds were redirected to Dugan’s account. Additionally, Dugan sent a $133,000 check to Mikhail Kise, who was also indicted.
Charges and Warnings
Winston Dugan faces charges of theft, identity fraud, and forgery, while Mikhail Kise is charged with theft. Police advise businesses to verify the authenticity of emails by directly contacting the bank or the business they are dealing with to avoid falling victim to such schemes.
