Authorities in South Florida have arrested 12 people accused of participating in a fraudulent scheme that allegedly issued thousands of fake insurance agent licenses.
Investigators in Miami-Dade County say the case dates back to 2023 and centers around a business called D&R Financial Services in Virginia Gardens.
According to authorities, the company was operated by Ranier Salas, who was arrested in 2024 after investigators accused him of running a scheme involving fraudulent pre-insurance licensing education.
Officials say Salas allegedly bypassed the state’s authorized testing system by completing required online coursework and insurance licensing exams on behalf of applicants in exchange for money. This allowed individuals to obtain insurance agent licenses without completing the required training or testing themselves.
After Salas and several associates were initially charged with racketeering and insurance licensing fraud, investigators obtained warrants to search their electronic devices. Evidence recovered from those searches allegedly revealed additional participants in the operation.
Authorities now say a total of 12 people were involved in the scheme, which investigators claim produced thousands of fraudulent insurance licenses.
The case is being investigated by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and officials say the investigation remains ongoing. Those arrested face multiple charges related to fraud and racketeering.