A major joint investigation led by the Kearny Police Department and the Jersey City Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit has resulted in the arrest of six men connected to an organized fraud ring that targeted rideshare drivers across multiple states.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
On Thursday, May 8th, arrest and search warrants were executed in Brooklyn, Newark, and Miramar, Florida, with Kearny police detectives present at each location, according to Police Sgt. John Fabula.
The investigation, which began in July 2023, uncovered a conspiracy that has so far resulted in 280 criminal charges and the closure of 40 cases across New Jersey, with additional charges expected.
The charges include luring, robbery, theft, identity theft, money laundering, conspiracy, and weapons offenses.
The suspects, all from Brooklyn, include Benshley Francillon, 24; Zamo Examo, 21; Jaden Labissiere, 21; Cedrick Alcime, 20; Walton Lawrence, 20; and Adebola Olowu, 22.
Michael Lawrence, 22, also of Brooklyn, has been charged but is not yet in custody, authorities said.
The suspects are believed to be responsible for targeting rideshare drivers by requesting trips with identical pickup and drop-off locations. When drivers appeared confused, the suspects would offer to enter a new destination in the driver’s phone, then steal it.
Once in possession of the phone, they gained access to financial apps and personal data, emptied bank accounts, opened fraudulent lines of credit, and transferred funds to accomplices. Losses have already exceeded $100,000.
“Over the years, we’ve taken down cargo theft rings, burglary crews, and cyber fraud networks, and this case is no different,” Kearny Police Chief Scott Macfie said in a statement.
“Our detectives have the technology, the investigative skill, and the strategic mindset to untangle even the most sophisticated schemes. This was a true team effort, and it’s a reflection of what’s possible when experience and collaboration come together.”
He also extended his thanks to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for their legal guidance over the past two years, as well as to all of the cooperating agencies whose contributions were instrumental to the success of the investigation.
Those include the Jersey City Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, the U.S. Marshals Service, National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), MAGLOCLEN, the New York City, Elizabeth, Harrison, Newark, Weehawken, and Davie (Florida) Police Departments, along with the Broward County Gang Investigations Task Force.
The investigation remains active, and authorities anticipate further developments in the coming weeks.
