Fraud Ring Arrests in Santa Clara

Santa Clara County authorities have arrested twelve individuals linked to a significant mail theft operation, as reported by the Santa Clara Police Department. The arrests occurred following an incident on August 5, when officers responded to a mail theft report in the 1900 block of Hillebrant Place. Upon investigation, detectives identified a vehicle associated with the suspects and began surveillance, uncovering connections to a larger fraud ring specializing in mail theft. Following the initial discovery, police obtained arrest and search warrants to disrupt the operation. Nine suspects were apprehended during the first round of arrests. Subsequently, detectives executed a search warrant at the Moreland Apartment complex on Moreland Avenue, leading to the detention of three additional suspects. The search revealed a trove of stolen items, including large quantities of mail, U.S. Postal keys and uniforms, narcotics, and electronic gambling machines. The investigation also uncovered notebooks containing personal identifying information (PII) and various stolen property, such as identification cards, checkbooks, passports, and credit cards belonging to numerous victims. All twelve suspects face multiple charges, including possession of stolen property, narcotics offenses, fraud, and resisting arrest. The suspects have been identified as Ngoai Nguyen, Melizza Hufana, Raquel Tendencia, and others, ranging in age from 30 to 43. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact them anonymously.