San Diego, California, December 9, 2025
A federal grand jury in San Diego has indicted Victor Hugo Villalobos Almazan and Nayeli Noemi Montoya Rodriguez for wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. The duo allegedly defrauded victims out of nearly $1 million by impersonating property owners in San Diego County and selling vacant properties through forged documentation. They were arrested at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and are facing serious penalties. The investigation underscores ongoing efforts to combat real estate fraud in Southern California.
San Diego, California – Two Mexican Nationals Indicted in $930K Real Estate Fraud Scheme
San Diego, California – A federal grand jury has indicted two Mexican nationals, Victor Hugo Villalobos Almazan and Nayeli Noemi Montoya Rodriguez, in connection with an alleged real estate fraud and money laundering scheme that defrauded victims of nearly $1 million. The indictment charges both individuals with wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
Between March and April 2023, Villalobos and Montoya allegedly impersonated the owners of vacant or undeveloped properties in San Diego County. They sold these properties to unsuspecting buyers by forging signatures of notaries and directing the proceeds to bank accounts in Mexico and Jordan. The indictment specifies that Villalobos sold a parcel of vacant land, while Montoya sold a property with a vacant structure, collectively netting nearly $1 million from the fraudulent transactions.
Arrest and Charges
Villalobos and Montoya were arrested upon their arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston after traveling from Mexico. They appeared in federal court in Houston to face the charges. An identity and detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Houston. The indictment includes charges of wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, each carrying significant penalties upon conviction.
Background Information
The indictment was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Beeler and David Kete. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related Cases
This case is part of a broader effort by federal authorities to combat real estate fraud and money laundering schemes in Southern California. In recent years, several individuals have been prosecuted for similar offenses, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing such fraudulent activities in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the charges against Victor Hugo Villalobos Almazan and Nayeli Noemi Montoya Rodriguez?
They have been indicted on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in connection with an alleged real estate fraud and money laundering scheme.
When and where were the defendants arrested?
The defendants were arrested upon their arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston after traveling from Mexico. They appeared in federal court in Houston to face the charges.
What is the alleged scheme they are involved in?
Between March and April 2023, Villalobos and Montoya allegedly impersonated the owners of vacant or undeveloped properties in San Diego County, selling these properties to unsuspecting buyers by forging signatures of notaries and directing the proceeds to bank accounts in Mexico and Jordan, collectively defrauding victims of nearly $1 million.
What penalties do the charges carry upon conviction?
The charges of wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft each carry significant penalties upon conviction, including substantial prison time and fines.
Who is handling the prosecution of this case?
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Beeler and David Kete from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
Which agencies conducted the investigation?
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Victor Hugo Villalobos Almazan and Nayeli Noemi Montoya Rodriguez |
| Charges | Wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft |
| Alleged Scheme | Impersonated property owners to sell vacant or undeveloped properties, forging notary signatures, and directing proceeds to foreign bank accounts |
| Amount Defrauded | Nearly $1 million |
| Arrest Location | George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston |
| Investigation Agencies | Homeland Security Investigations and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations |
| Prosecution | Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Beeler and David Kete |
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