Los Angeles, January 29, 2026
Moundir Kamil, a 56-year-old from Orange County, received a 44-month sentence for a fraudulent scheme that stole nearly $1 million from surfers in Southern California. His operation involved stealing keys from surfers’ cars and accessing their phones to transfer funds. Kamil must also pay $979,772 in restitution to victims. This case exposes the susceptibility of beachgoers to theft and highlights the ongoing issue of financial fraud in the region.
Los Angeles, CA
Convicted Bank Robber Sentenced for $1 Million Fraud Scheme Targeting SoCal Surfers
Moundir Kamil, 56, of Orange County, was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison for orchestrating a nearly $1 million fraud scheme that targeted surfers across Southern California. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $979,772 to the victims.
Details of the Scheme
Between April 2021 and December 2022, Kamil and his co-conspirators targeted surfers in Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and San Diego County. The operation involved observing surfers as they parked their cars and stashed their keys before entering the water. Once the surfers were in the ocean, an accomplice would steal the keys, break into the vehicles, and steal wallets and phones. Kamil, who had the ability to bypass facial recognition software, accessed the phones’ apps to transfer funds from bank accounts, investment holdings, and cryptocurrency wallets. Stolen credit cards were used to purchase luxury goods and electronics, which Kamil resold for cash. The scheme resulted in a loss of $979,772 to several financial institutions.
Background on the Defendant
Kamil has a history of criminal activity. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to stealing a tax-refund check for more than $1 million from real estate mogul Donald Bren. He was also known as the “Give Me More Bandit” for demanding extra cash during bank robberies in Orange County. Despite being on supervised release for previous offenses, Kamil continued to engage in fraudulent activities, demonstrating a deep entrenchment in criminal behavior.
Co-Defendants
Two co-defendants, Jordan Adams and Jennifer Pruneda, also pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme. Further details about their involvement have been sealed from public view.
Legal Proceedings
Kamil pleaded guilty in September to one federal count each of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, attempted bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing hearing was initially delayed due to a power outage at the Los Angeles federal courthouse but proceeded on January 28, 2026. The U.S. Attorney’s Office had requested a prison sentence of six years and three months for Kamil.
Impact on the Community
This case highlights the vulnerability of surfers and beachgoers to theft and fraud. The scheme exploited the trust of individuals enjoying recreational activities, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress for the victims. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and security measures to protect personal belongings in public spaces.
Related Cases
Similar fraudulent activities have been reported in Southern California. For instance, in August 2024, a Moreno Valley man was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of over $24 million. These cases underscore the ongoing challenges in combating financial fraud and the need for continued vigilance and enforcement efforts.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Moundir Kamil marks a significant step in addressing fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable individuals. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information and belongings, especially in public settings, and the role of law enforcement in holding perpetrators accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Moundir Kamil sentenced for?
Moundir Kamil was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison for orchestrating a nearly $1 million fraud scheme targeting surfers across Southern California. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $979,772 to the victims.
How did the fraud scheme operate?
Between April 2021 and December 2022, Kamil and his co-conspirators targeted surfers in Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and San Diego County. They observed surfers as they parked their cars and stashed their keys before entering the water. Once the surfers were in the ocean, an accomplice would steal the keys, break into the vehicles, and steal wallets and phones. Kamil accessed the phones’ apps to transfer funds from bank accounts, investment holdings, and cryptocurrency wallets. Stolen credit cards were used to purchase luxury goods and electronics, which Kamil resold for cash. The scheme resulted in a loss of $979,772 to several financial institutions.
What is Kamil’s criminal history?
Kamil has a history of criminal activity. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to stealing a tax-refund check for more than $1 million from real estate mogul Donald Bren. He was also known as the “Give Me More Bandit” for demanding extra cash during bank robberies in Orange County. Despite being on supervised release for previous offenses, Kamil continued to engage in fraudulent activities, demonstrating a deep entrenchment in criminal behavior.
Who are the co-defendants in this case?
Two co-defendants, Jordan Adams and Jennifer Pruneda, also pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme. Further details about their involvement have been sealed from public view.
What impact did this scheme have on the community?
This case highlights the vulnerability of surfers and beachgoers to theft and fraud. The scheme exploited the trust of individuals enjoying recreational activities, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress for the victims. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and security measures to protect personal belongings in public spaces.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Moundir Kamil, 56, of Orange County |
| Sentence | 44 months in federal prison; restitution of $979,772 |
| Scheme Duration | April 2021 to December 2022 |
| Target Locations | Malibu, Manhattan Beach, San Diego County |
| Method | Stealing keys from surfers’ parked cars; accessing phones to transfer funds |
| Financial Loss | $979,772 to several financial institutions |
| Co-Defendants | Jordan Adams and Jennifer Pruneda |
| Previous Convictions | Bank robbery; stealing a tax-refund check over $1 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fatal Hit-and-Run in Sherman Oaks Claims Life of Elderly Man and Dog
Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price Faces Corruption Charges
Los Angeles Man Arrested for Stealing Millions in Homeless Funds
Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Incident Raises Safety Concerns
Santa Ana Secures Justice: Extradition of Suspect in Murder
Counterfeit Bill Scheme Targets In-N-Out Burger Locations
Los Angeles to Issue Final Proposition HHH Bonds for Homelessness
East Los Angeles Teen Missing: Authorities Seek Public Assistance
Search Underway for Missing 15-Year-Old in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Home Prices See Slight Decline
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
