Miami Investigators Wind Up in Sneaky Scheme
Miami – In a developing story, investigators have arrested two more individuals involved in a significant fraud case related to bogus insurance agent licensing exams. This brings the total number of arrests to seven in an ongoing investigation that has captured considerable public attention.
What Happened?
On December 5, 2024, the Florida Department of Financial Services detained insurance agents Darwin Jose Ayala, 39, from Doral, and Zurisadairis Salazar Salazar, 36, from Miramar. They face multiple felony charges, including racketeering. Just a day prior, another individual, Diana Nodarse Cruz, 36, from Miami Lakes, was also taken into custody on similar charges.
Background of the Case
The case revolves around an enterprise operating out of a business called D&R Academy located at 6405 NW 36th St. in Virginia Gardens. This operation was allegedly run by Nodarse Cruz and her husband. Through this setup, individuals could pay between $400 and $2,000 to fraudulently obtain insurance licenses by using what authorities have termed “subverted exams.”
Details of the Scheme
Reports indicate that the testing enterprise offered a total of 820 subverted exams. Among the accused, Ayala reportedly collaborated with a man named Nelson Erwin Delpiani to complete his exam. He allegedly went as far as to have Delpiani sit beside him, out of sight of the computer camera, as Delpiani completed the test remotely using a Bluetooth mouse.
In addition, Ayala is alleged to have created his own insurance sales team and has been working with another business, Quintero & Associates, located at 3191 Coral Way, Miami.
Others Arrested
Before Ayala and Salazar, authorities had already arrested several others linked to the scheme. These include Nodarse’s husband, Rainier Miguel Salas, 59, his son Rainier Alexander Salas, 27, and Karla Lit Peralta, 26, from Miami Gardens. Notably, the charges against Peralta were later dropped after she agreed to cooperate with investigators.
Legal Consequences
Both Ayala and Salazar remain in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Each faces several serious charges, including acting as an insurance agent without a license and other offenses related to fraud and misuse of communications devices. The bond for Ayala is set at $21,000, while Salazar faces a bond of $20,000.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are deep into the details of this case, highlighting a troubling trend of deceit in insurance licensing. Without a doubt, additional arrests and further developments are anticipated as investigators piece together the full scope of this fraudulent network.
Conclusion
The implications of this case stretch beyond those directly accused, raising serious questions about the integrity of the insurance licensing process in Florida. This case serves as a reminder of the vigilance needed to combat fraud in various sectors across the state.
