MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Six people have been arrested following a two-year investigation into an alleged $5.8 million fraud scheme involving condominium and homeowners associations across Miami-Dade County, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office announced this week.
The MDSO Organized Crimes Bureau dubbed the investigation “Operation Sundown.”
According to investigators, the primary subject in the case, Juan Awais, 60, owned a property management company and allegedly used companies he owned, along with affiliated vendors, to exert undisclosed control over associations managed by his company.
Investigators said elderly, primarily Spanish-speaking association board members were allegedly misled into signing documents they did not fully understand.
According to MDSO, those documents allowed the subjects to gain control over association operations and finances for their own benefit.
The two-year investigation included seven search warrants and extensive digital forensic examinations, according to MDSO.
Investigators said they uncovered an alleged racketeering enterprise involving family members, employees and several affiliated companies whose connections were not disclosed.
According to the sheriff’s office, the group allegedly diverted association dues, insurance and loan proceeds, and collection revenues while concealing company ownership and the flow of money.
Investigators also alleged there were efforts to obstruct the investigation, including providing incomplete or newly created documents and discouraging association board members from speaking with law enforcement.
MDSO identified the subjects as Awais; Juliet Ramos, 37; Johana Perez Tapia, 31; Delma Alonso, 53; Cynthea Louise Waltz and Michael Irizarry.
Awais faces charges including racketeering, money laundering, organized fraud, grand theft and accepting or soliciting a kickback.
Ramos, Perez Tapia and Alonso also face racketeering, money laundering and multiple organized fraud charges, according to a press release from MDSO.
The sheriff’s office did not provide information on the charges against Waltz or Irizarry, noting that both were arrested by the Pembroke Pines Police Department.
MDSO said the investigation remains ongoing.
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