“Scams such as this are increasingly common, and the community should be very wary,” Limtiaco stated in a media release. “This case will hopefully serve as a warning to everyone to be wary of con-artists operating through the Internet, because involvement may cost you more than just money, it may also lead to criminal charges if you become aware of the fraudulent activity, but continue to participate.”
The complaint stated that Aguilar deposited a check he received after responding to an e-mail solicitation into his business account at the Bank of Guam.
It was subsequently learned that the e-mail solicitation was part of an international fraud scheme targeting attorneys and the check was a forgery, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.
Aguilar transferred the funds to a different bank and made withdrawals from it.
Criminal charges were filed against Aguilar because it was discovered that he continued to withdraw funds even after he found out the check he received in the mail was fraudulent, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.
His case was transferred from the CNMI to Guam for purposes of entering a plea and sentencing.
Aguilar will plead guilty.
The Internal Revenue Service led the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O’Malley is prosecuting the case.
The charges against Aguilar are based on the same facts that are the subject of a pending civil suit filed by the Bank of Guam in the trial court here.
