The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Unit has been conducting investigations in reference to reported virtual kidnappings. This scheme has been perpetrated throughout the United States.
Two victims from Montgomery County had delivered over $25,000 in cash to the Houston area, under duress, in which they were lead to believe loved ones were kidnapped. The money was then picked up and wire transferred to Mexico. The Crime Reduction Unit was assisted by an analyst from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations, who assisted in identifying several suspects in the Houston area, who were working with contacts in Mexico. The suspects were located with the assistance of Harris County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and patrol Deputies. An interview was conducted revealing evidence supporting the investigation. This investigation resulted in a felony arrest and the identification of the group behind the scheme, who is located in Mexico.
The investigation is on-going and the name of the arrested is being held at this time.
