Operation Cash Back: Mont Belvieu PD investigation uncovers $600K fraud ring

In June 2024, the Mont Belvieu Police Department (MBPD) began investigating a series of seemingly unrelated financial fraud cases where victims reported funds stolen from their bank accounts via unauthorized wire transactions. The subsequent investigation, led by the MBPD Criminal Investigations Division (CID) expanded to other regional law enforcement agencies when it was determined that other agencies were investigating similar cases. 

Investigators eventually identified 35 individual fraud victims within the region spanning Mont Belvieu, Baytown, Chambers County, Houston, and Liberty County. Combined losses of at least $360,000 have been confirmed and may reach up to a total of $600,000 in total funds stolen and laundered through other bank accounts.

Through a multi-agency investigation dubbed “OPERATION CASH BACK” and led by MBPD-CID, investigators eventually identified four key individuals as the primary suspects in this fraud scheme. These individuals are believed to have recruited other persons, facilitated their involvement, and orchestrated the criminal activities in these cases.   

“The scheme involved suspects who obtained victims stolen financial data then used various online messaging apps to recruit other lower-level individual participants who allowed their legitimate bank accounts to be used to funnel stolen funds through,” said Chief Jimmy Ellison of the Mont Belvieu Police Department.  

Over the last week a coordinated operation involving Mont Belvieu PD, Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, Chambers County District Attorney’s Office, Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force, Galveston PD, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Marshal’s Service resulted in the execution of 40 separate search warrants for electronic devices and data. Additionally, related search warrants were also executed at two residences in McNair and Baytown.   

Multiple arrests related to this ongoing investigation have occurred throughout Southeast Texas and as far away as Georgia and Illinois, but due to the ongoing nature of this investigation and the potential for additional defendants to be identified, MBPD is only identifying the four primary named suspects at this time.

In addition to the fraud related evidence that was seized in this operation, search warrants executed also resulted in the recovery and seizure of over $10,000 in cash tied to the scheme, as well as assorted quantities of illegal drugs and controlled substances in possession of defendants. Multiple bank accounts used by suspects in the commission of these offenses have been frozen and investigators will continue to aggressively investigate these cases.

Chief Ellison added that, “Financial crimes like these are becoming far too common and growing more complex. This multi-agency investigation serves as a testament to tenacious detective work and our invaluable local, state, and federal partnerships that help bring justice to victims of these types of crimes. We especially appreciate the partnership with Chambers County District Attorney Cheryl Lieck Henry and her staff for helping send the message that if you victimize someone in Chambers County, you will answer for it.”