Carla Magaly Alcedo Mendoza, a Peruvian national, has been extradited to face an array of charges in the United States linked to her involvement in an alleged fraud and extortion operation targeting Spanish-speaking U.S. consumers. Upon her arrival in Miami, Alcedo made her initial court appearance, the Department of Justice alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced recently. Arrested on March 27, 2023, by Peruvian authorities, Alcedo's transport to the U.S. marks another step in the global pursuit of justice.
The indictment against Alcedo outlines her role in managing and operating call centers based in Peru from January 2013 through December 2018. Her team is accused of contacting individuals in the States under the guise of representing universities, Hispanic help centers, and government entities, offering financial aid for English language programs, according to the Department of Justice. When victims hesitated or refused to pay for claimed storage and other fees, the indictment alleges, they were subjected to intense pressure and extortion threats.
“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located," Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth stated, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of both the Republic of Peru and U.S. law enforcement to bring individuals like Alcedo to account. U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne echoed this sentiment, assuring that those employing scams and intimidation against vulnerable populations will face the consequences of their actions, as noted by the same press release.
Alcedo's charges in the 18-count federal indictment include conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and extortion. Each count potentially carries up to 20 years of imprisonment. Despite the serious allegations, it is duly noted that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the Department of Justice declared. The extensive investigation and Alcedo’s extradition were fruit of an international effort involving various authorities, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida, the Peruvian National Police, and the Peruvian Attorney General’s Office, among others.
For those impacted by elder fraud, the Justice Department reiterates the availability of the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, providing a critical resource with professionals ready to support victims and guide them through necessary steps for reporting crimes and possibly recovering losses. The hotline is open weekdays and offers service in English, Spanish, and other languages. Additional information on elder fraud protection and the Consumer Protection Branch's enforcement efforts can be found at their respective online portals.
