Investigations

On December 5, 2018, Richard Bishara of Paramus, New Jersey, was charged via criminal complaint in U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was arrested on December 6, 2018.

 

According to the complaint, Bishara played a role in a household goods moving fraud scheme. Between May 2010 and February 2015, he and his co-conspirators allegedly operated multiple companies that “low balled” price estimates for moving household goods, loaded customers’ goods onto trucks, and then raised prices when customers were vulnerable because the goods were no longer in their control. Over a number of years and hundreds of moves, the companies consistently raised their final prices above the federally regulated increase allowed for estimates.

 

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with DHS-HSI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.