Miami-Dade authorities arrest 21 in major ‘credit bust out’ investigation

Miami-Dade law enforcement officials announced Monday that 21 suspects have been arrested as part of “Operation Lien to Clean,” targeting a scheme in which vehicles are fraudulently purchased using manipulated credit, known as “credit bust outs.”

Authorities said the operation has uncovered at least 100 vehicles valued at over $5.5 million that were allegedly obtained through the scam. So far, 53 vehicles worth approximately $4.38 million have been recovered.

“Credit bust outs” occur when individuals purchase multiple vehicles over a short period before they appear on credit reports or manipulate their credit history to hide negative activity, officials explained. Stolen or fraudulently obtained vehicles are often illegally subleased or have their liens washed and retitled in other states.

Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz highlighted the broader impact on the community:

“When financial institutions lose millions, those costs are passed down to families, small businesses, and consumers through higher prices and insurance premiums. Small family-owned dealerships, the backbone of our neighborhoods, are especially hard-hit.”

NBC6 has previously reported on several credit bust out cases in the county, including a $700,000 fraud involving 14 vehicles, a $464,000 fraud involving seven vehicles, and a case involving a social media influencer obtaining multiple BMWs. Officials said more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

“Make no mistake, Miami-Dade is a prime target for credit bust-out fraud. But we will not let organized criminals or corrupt insiders treat our county like an open marketplace. Not on my watch,” Cordero-Stutz added.