Investigations

On July 24, 2019, Michael Chaves, owner of CAT Transportation Inc. (CAT), was charged in a 10-count information in U.S. District Court, Providence, Rhode Island, with bank and wire fraud, falsification of Federal records during a Federal investigation, aggravated identity theft, and tax evasion.

 

The information alleges Chaves was involved in a scheme that created checks from unsuspecting third-party vendors and had the checks deposited into CAT-owned bank accounts, and then used false documents during an application process to secure a bank loan for commercial vehicles. Chaves is also alleged to have falsified FMCSA registration documents using the identification of another individual without his/her knowledge to show no affiliation with another company that was under a Federal out-of-service order, and to have generated false documents to show compliance with FMCSA rules and regulations.

 

DOT-OIG and IRS-CID is conducting this investigation with the assistance of the FMCSA.

 

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