Fraud vs. Borders: How Did Ramos Return?
A deported Mexican national is behind bars after allegedly embezzling $7 million from a Newport Beach classic car company while living illegally in the United States.
At a Glance
- Alexander G. Ramos, 62, was arrested for allegedly embezzling nearly $7 million from his employer, a Newport Beach classic car company
- Previously deported in 2017, Ramos allegedly re-entered the U.S. illegally before working in the company’s risk-management department
- He allegedly orchestrated a scheme to overcharge for vehicle registration fees and directed excess funds to his personal accounts
- If convicted of felony wire fraud, Ramos faces up to 20 years in federal prison
- Ramos is being held without bail until his June 30 court appearance
Multi-Million Dollar Embezzlement Scheme Uncovered
Federal authorities arrested Alexander G. Ramos, 62, on May 22 after uncovering an elaborate embezzlement scheme that allegedly netted him approximately $7 million over several years. Ramos, a Mexican national who had previously been deported from the United States in 2017, worked in the risk-management department of a Newport Beach company specializing in classic cars from 2017 until his termination in September 2024. During his employment, he gained access to the company’s loans and developed critical relationships with title agents and business partners that enabled his alleged fraud.
“A former executive of a Southern California company who was living in the United States illegally was arrested on May 22 on suspicion of wire fraud after prosecutors claimed he embezzled about $7 million from his employer.”, said U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.
The alleged scheme involved Ramos directing his employer to issue checks to various entities, including a Las Vegas DMV services business, for supposed expenses related to vehicle purchases. Federal investigators claim these transactions were deliberately inflated, with Ramos instructing these third parties to redirect the excess funds to bank accounts under his control. These illegal transactions reportedly date back to at least January 2020, allowing the scheme to continue undetected for years before authorities intervened.
Sophisticated Financial Manipulation
Ramos’ position within the company provided him with extensive authority over financial transactions related to vehicle registrations and title processing. According to federal prosecutors, he exploited this access by systematically overpaying for routine vehicle expenses and arranging for the excess funds to be returned to accounts he controlled rather than to his employer or their clients. The sophisticated nature of the scheme helped it remain undetected for an extended period.
“The checks were supposed to cover expenses for tax, titling, and licensing associated with car purchases,”, said U.S. Attorney’s Office.Â
Financial records examined during the investigation revealed the scope of the alleged embezzlement. “A law enforcement review of financial records revealed that approximately $7 million in checks and wires were deposited in Ramos-controlled bank accounts from the outside entities in the car industry,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Much of this money was intended as refunds for clients who had overpaid for vehicle registration fees, but instead was diverted to Ramos’ personal accounts.
Legal Consequences and Immigration Status
Ramos has been charged with felony wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. His case is further complicated by his immigration status, as authorities confirmed he had previously been deported from the United States in 2017 before illegally re-entering the country. This raises additional legal questions beyond the financial crimes he’s accused of committing.
Investigators allege Ramos used the embezzled funds for personal purposes, including purchasing a home in Irvine. Currently held without bail, Ramos is scheduled to appear in court on June 30 for arraignment. The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General continue to investigate the case, working to trace the full extent of the financial improprieties and determine if additional charges may be warranted.
