On Wednesday morning, the Criminal Investigations Division of Florida's Department of Financial Services apprehended five individuals in Miami-Dade County for their suspected involvement in a fraudulent insurance agent license scheme operated out of an office in Doral. Two additional suspects remain at large.
The individuals taken into custody—Yohana Fernandez, Adriana Gil, Alejandro Mollinedo (age 36), Iyad Lamaa Mezher, and Angel Contreras (age 44)—were arrested around 6:00 a.m. The fugitives are Lenys Gil and Katherinne Zerpa, as reported by Local 10 News.
Unveiling the Fraudulent Operation
According to arrest reports, the scheme operated from 2022 to 2024 using a calculated method: aspiring insurance agents would appear on camera during online exams, while another person, out of view, controlled the computer to answer the questions on their behalf.
Each accused individual allegedly played a specific role in the operation. Fernandez and Gil are said to have coordinated the exams, shared credentials, and recruited new candidates. Investigators documented over 1,000 WhatsApp messages linked to Gil's activities.
Roles and Responsibilities within the Scheme
Mollinedo reportedly completed pre-licensing courses and evaluations on behalf of others in exchange for money. His brother-in-law, Angel Contreras, handled payments through Zelle, transferring a standard fee of $30 per applicant to Mollinedo.
Mezher allegedly referred candidates to the scheme, facilitated exam coordination, and made two money transfers totaling $400.
Legal Repercussions and Continuing Investigation
The charges facing the detainees include suspected organized crime activity, conspiracy, organized fraud scheme, illegal use of a communication device, and practicing as an unlicensed insurance agent. However, charges vary for each individual.
The investigation's focal agency operated in a building near Doral City Hall, which is currently undergoing demolition.
Broader Context of Insurance Fraud in South Florida
This case is part of a wave of similar frauds affecting South Florida over the past several years. A notable precedent is the D&R Academy in Virginia Gardens, where owner Diana Nodarse Cruz was arrested in December 2024, along with her husband and son, for manipulating at least 820 exams between 2021 and 2024, charging between $400 and $2,000 to guarantee passage.
In December 2024, further arrests were made, including Darwin José Ayala and Zurisadairis Salazar. On March 4, 2026, twelve more individuals linked to D&R Financial Services were arrested and taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
The insurance sector, particularly in health, life, and health market plans, does not require a college degree and offers commission-based income. This demand has been exploited by networks charging candidates for third parties to complete courses and exams on their behalf.
Those who obtained a license fraudulently face severe consequences: Florida's Department of Financial Services can revoke, suspend, or deny license renewal, and filing a false application is a second-degree misdemeanor that can escalate to a felony if it involves organized fraud. The investigation remains ongoing.
Understanding the Impact of Insurance License Fraud in Florida
What are the potential penalties for obtaining an insurance license fraudulently?
Individuals who obtain an insurance license fraudulently may face license revocation, suspension, or denial of renewal by Florida's Department of Financial Services. Additionally, filing a false application is a second-degree misdemeanor that can become a felony if it involves organized fraud.
How did the fraudulent licensing scheme operate?
The scheme involved candidates appearing on camera during online exams, while another person, unseen, controlled the computer to answer questions for them.
Who were the key players in the fraud scheme?
Key players included Yohana Fernandez, Adriana Gil, Alejandro Mollinedo, Iyad Lamaa Mezher, and Angel Contreras, each with distinct roles such as coordinating exams, completing courses for others, handling payments, and referring candidates.