Fort Myers man accused of international money laundering, fraud scheme

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A Fort Myers man was arrested on Tuesday following a two-year financial crimes investigation by the Fort Myers Police Department.

According to FMPD, members of the department's Bravo Shift assisted in the arrest of Benton M. Reynaert after almost two years of investigating him for financial crimes involving an international fraud scheme.

Reynaert acted as a "money mule" in a Microsoft/Tech support scam that targeted victims in the United States, Canada and Australia, FMPD said. These scams resulted in the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The victims in the case were misled by fraudulent pop-up messages claiming their computers were locked, and were then pressured to send cash to Reynaert after scammers falsely claimed a refund error, FMPD said.

According to FMPD, Reynaert then transferred the stolen funds overseas using multiple methods, including cryptocurrency, wire transfers and more.

Reynaert faces charges of money laundering, organized fraud, use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and dealing in stolen property.

"The Fort Myers Police Department reminds the public that legitimate companies and government agencies will never request payment or refunds through cash, cryptocurrency kiosks, gift cards, wire transfers, or mailed packages," FMPD said. "Anyone encountering a similar scam should stop communication immediately and contact law enforcement or a trusted family member."

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