FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance to Locate “Operation Malicious Mortgage” Fugitives

The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance to locate three fugitives who are part of the “Operation Malicious Mortgage” investigation. “Operation Malicious Mortgage” is a nationwide operation coordinated by the Department of Justice and the FBI to identify, arrest, and prosecute mortgage fraud violations throughout the United States.

Earlier today United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced the unsealing of a felony complaint in federal court in San Diego charging six individuals with wire fraud. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the complaint in this matter alleges that Rafael Santiago, Abner Betech, Said Betech, Aviva Betech, Angel Armendariz, and Lucette Montane devised a plan to defraud and to obtain money and property by false and fraudulent means, related to mortgage fraud.

According to the complaint, in 2005, Abner Betech, Said Betech and others started Creative Financial Solutions, Inc. (“CFS”), a mortgage brokering company located at 707 Broadway Avenue, Suite 1720, San Diego. CFS was in the business of sending loan application packages and other documents to lenders for review and funding. The complaint alleges that CFS did not fund loans, but instead received commissions from the lenders when the loans closed. The defendants were loan officers at CFS and in addition to the commissions, they received payments from lenders, sellers, and buyers when loans closed.

The complaint further alleges that CFS obtained mortgage loans for unqualified or unknowing borrowers by concealing the true purchase price of the homes by submitting false purchase contracts, submitting false loan applications; intentionally concealing the fair market value of home; using misleading appraisals; and submitting false bank statements and income documentation. In total, the lenders have lost nearly $3.9 million, with potential losses in excess of $5.1 million, due to foreclosures.

The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance to locate and arrest Rafael Santiago, Angel Armendariz, and Lucette Montane. Please see information below.

Name: Rafael Santiago
Sex: Male
Age: 39
Height: 6’0
Weight: 195 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black

Name: Angel Armendariz
Sex: Male
Age: 27
Height: 5’10
Weight: 155 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black


Name: Lucette Montane
Sex: Female
Age: 25
Height: 5’3
Weight: 120 lbs.
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Santiago, Armedariz, or Montane is asked to call the FBI at (858) 565-1255.

Agencies involved in this investigation include the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

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