Florida Auto Tag Agency Clerk Arrested In Vehicle Title Fraud Scheme For Car Theft Ring

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. Credit: SAO

MIAMI, Florida - A 27-year-old Florida automobile tag agency clerk was arrested for allegedly issuing fraudulent vehicle titles for a South Florida car theft ring, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced on Tuesday.

The investigation started on January 12, 2024, when the City of Doral Police were dispatched to 5161 NW 79th Ave regarding a stolen vehicle pinging inside the bay of a local auto shop. 

Detectives executed a search warrant upon arriving on the scene and located three stolen vehicles including a 2022 Lamborghini Urus, a 2023 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, a 2021 Mercedes-Benz G550, and two fraudulent VIN plates. 

The owner of the garage was subsequently arrested for allegedly operating a Chop Shop.

Following the garage owner’s arrest, law enforcement questioned his involvement in the auto theft operation, leading to the discovery of Vera Moran’s role as a Tag Agency Clerk at Baumgardner Tag Agency located at 1375 NW 36th Street in Miami.

Investigators say that Vera Moran was paid an extra $800-1,000 for each fraudulent title transaction, accepting cash or Cash App payments before forging the titles and tax documents on stolen vehicles. 

The investigation uncovered Moran’s alleged manipulation of VINs associated with total loss vehicles, such as transferring a 2020 White Jeep Gladiator, deemed a total loss due to extensive fire damage, to a salvage rebuilt title appearing in perfect condition.

Throughout the investigation, 18 vehicles were recovered and/or positively identified with altered VINS, twelve of which were confirmed to be stolen. The approximate total value of stolen vehicles recovered and identified was $3,385,000, all of which were allegedly processed by Moran at Baumgardner Tag Agency.

“Fraudulent title transfers not only deceive the system but inflict profound harm on victims who suffer the loss of property and insurance companies who are forced to cover theft claims. Such crimes can have a lasting and detrimental impact on our community, costing the hardworking citizens of Miami-Dade County by driving up car insurance premiums,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.