Cape Coral police dismantle fraud ring, seize $120K and drugs in bust

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)— A nearly three-year investigation into an organized criminal enterprise resulted in multiple arrests following a coordinated operation on Sept. 8, 2026.

The Cape Coral Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force - Fort Myers Office and the Lee County Sheriff's Office, conducted the operation that marked the culmination of an investigation that began in November 2023. The investigation was led by the Cape Coral Police Department's Economic Crimes Unit.

Detectives identified a group of individuals who worked together in a coordinated and ongoing manner to commit fraud and other criminal offenses for financial gain. Investigators determined that members of the enterprise had coordinated roles, shared victims' personal information and used social media and other electronic platforms to facilitate scams, defraud victims and further their criminal activity.

The investigation uncovered a wide range of criminal activity, including scams and fraud, identity theft, forged checks, vehicle theft, other property crimes and drug-related offenses. Investigators also determined that proceeds obtained through criminal activity were used for personal benefit and to facilitate additional criminal activity.

This included the purchase of controlled substances for distribution and counterfeit merchandise for resale, allowing members of the enterprise to continue generating illicit proceeds. As the investigation progressed, detectives utilized extensive financial analysis, physical surveillance, confidential sources, electronic evidence and other investigative techniques to identify members of the organization, establish their individual roles and document the scope of the criminal activity.

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The investigation ultimately resulted in 50 felony charges and approximately 60 search warrants involving residences, financial institutions, electronic platforms, social media accounts, cellular devices, vehicles and other evidence associated with the investigation. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately $120,000 in U.S. currency, one cloned Dodge Hellcat, counterfeit watches and merchandise, 44.5 pounds of marijuana, 1,920 THC wax cartridges, 23.4 pounds of THC wax and 263.1 grams of Snowcap marijuana.

The primary charges resulting from the investigation include Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Scheme to Defraud involving more than $50,000 and Money Laundering involving more than $100,000. The investigation also identified numerous underlying and related criminal offenses committed by members and associates of the enterprise.

These offenses included Grand Theft, Scheme to Defraud, Uttering a Forged Instrument, Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information, Criminal Solicitation and other related felony offenses. This investigation was a collaborative effort involving personnel from the Cape Coral Police Department's Economic Crimes Unit, Narcotics Unit and Special Investigations Unit.

The coordination between these units allowed investigators to combine financial investigations, surveillance, intelligence and enforcement efforts throughout the nearly three-year investigation. Arrest teams from the Cape Coral Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force – Fort Myers Office, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, worked together to locate and apprehend individuals charged as a result of the investigation.

This group is responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in thefts from multiple innocent victims, many of which were seniors, according to the press release. Azira Boone is currently outstanding and out of state but has made arrangements to turn herself in, while the other 11 people have been arrested.