Mohamed Noshi Mahmoud, Fishers, and Mahdi Kehlifi, Issa Kayyali and Hamza Dridi of Indianapolis were charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization practices for conducting businesses as a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and interstate transportation of stolen property. Noshi was the manager of Elite Enterprises, which operated two used car dealerships in Indianapolis. Allegedly, Noshi directed others to assist him in carrying out unlawful acts. Noshi and the other three managers produced fraudulent documents to lending and financial institutions to underwrite the purchase of vehicles on behalf of Elite’s customers. Documents included social security numbers, paystubs and other information from various shell companies the managers created.

The managers also created false claims of stolen or damaged vehicles to defraud insurance companies,  and also allegedly committed theft from various financing companies.

According to a press release sent to Current, all four defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted.

“The defendants allegedly participated in an illicit organization that affected interstate commerce through the transportation of stolen property, money laundering, mail and wire fraud. In doing so, they utilized the U.S. Mail, which brought to bear the full investigative attention of Postal Inspectors,” stated Patricia Armstrong, acting inspector in charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division.  “We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to ensure actions such as these are aggressively investigated and pursued for criminal prosecution.”

The investigation was led by the FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Social Security, Office of Inspector General, the Lawrence Police Department (Indiana) and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance provided by the Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Division and the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Fraud Division.

“As is so often the case in these fraud cases, the ultimate victims are the ones that can least afford it,” United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler stated. “Elite Motors abused processes in place that would allow citizens with subprime credit to get back on their feet through legitimate vehicle sales.”