Investigations

On August 11, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey sentenced Rami Zubidat to 33 months of incarceration, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. On November 12, 2019, Zubidat pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Zubidat and his co-conspirators controlled and operated a number of New Jersey-based moving companies. Although the companies were established as separate legal entities, they shared bank accounts, post office boxes, employees, and an office space. Customers were quoted “low ball” price estimates for moving household goods. Then—once the goods were loaded on the trucks—the prices were raised, putting the customers in vulnerable positions. Between 2013 and 2015, these companies handled hundreds of moves, increasing their final prices above the amount allowed by Federal regulations.

 

DOT-OIG conducted this investigation with Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.