Miami, FL – A shocking revelation emerged as Katherine M. Vera Moran, a tag agency clerk at Baumgardner Tag Agency in Miami, was arrested in connection with a $3 million title fraud scheme, officials disclosed on Tuesday.

Allegations Against Vera Moran

Vera Moran faces charges including 18 counts of Title Fraud, a third-degree felony, and 18 counts of Official Misconduct, also a third-degree felony. Authorities assert her involvement in the fraudulent transfer of vehicle titles. Allegedly, she accepted payments ranging from $800 to $1,000 for each fraudulent transaction, forging titles and tax documents on stolen vehicles in exchange.

Investigation Unveiled

Detectives launched the investigation on January 12, prompted by a report of a stolen vehicle found within the premises of a local auto shop in Doral. Subsequent searches led to the recovery of several stolen vehicles, including a 2022 Lamborghini Urus, a 2023 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, and a 2021 Mercedes-Benz G550, alongside two fraudulent VIN plates.

The owner of the auto shop was also arrested for operating a Chop Shop. Further inquiry exposed Vera Moran’s alleged manipulation of VINs linked to total loss vehicles, facilitating the fraudulent transfer of salvage vehicles to appear in perfect condition.

Recovery and Identification

Officials reported the recovery and identification of 18 vehicles during the investigation, with twelve confirmed as stolen. The approximate total value of the recovered and identified stolen vehicles processed by Vera Moran at Baumgardner Tag Agency reportedly amounted to $3,385,000.

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