Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced Tuesday that law‑enforcement officials have arrested two individuals tied to a fraudulent insurance operation that preyed on a local construction company.
Arrests and Charges
Detectives with the Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division took former insurance agent Yaudat Antonio Ohan into custody on Sept. 28 and agency head Alberto Villaruel on Oct. 20. Ohan, who has been permanently barred from holding a state insurance license since 2002, allegedly sold policies that never existed, collecting $10,500 in premiums directly from the business owner.
Villaruel, who served as the agent‑in‑charge of the agency, is accused of allowing Ohan to conduct the illegal sales despite knowing Ohan’s barred status. Both men face multiple felony counts, including conspiracy to commit racketeering, organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and unlawful use of a telecommunications device.
How the Scheme Unfolded
The investigation began when the construction company submitted two certificates of insurance to a state compliance officer. When regulators contacted the listed carrier, the carrier confirmed the policies did not exist. Further inquiry revealed the premiums had been paid directly to Ohan, who then diverted the funds without issuing any valid coverage.
Detectives traced the payments back to Villaruel’s agency, where Ohan operated out of the office and used the agency’s address to lend an appearance of legitimacy. The agency’s involvement allowed Ohan to present himself as a licensed professional, misleading the business owner and the public.
Official Response
“Floridians’ insurance policies are meant to protect them, not fund criminals’ bank accounts,” Ingoglia said in a statement. “Insurance fraud is a crime tax on law‑abiding Floridians, and I will not stand for that cost to be passed onto Florida families. Anyone acting as an unlicensed insurance agent or anyone aiding unlicensed agents will face the full brunt of the law and be put in handcuffs.”
The Miami‑Dade State Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution of both defendants.
Impact on Consumers
This case underscores the importance of verifying an insurance provider’s licensing status before paying premiums. Consumers are urged to check the Florida Department of Financial Services website or contact the department directly if they have any doubts about an insurer’s legitimacy.
State officials say they will continue to pursue fraudulent actors who threaten the financial security of Florida families and businesses.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
