Malden Man Faces Federal Fraud Charges

MALDEN, MA — A Malden man was arrested Thursday on federal charges of using stolen identities to make purchases, rent cars and open credit accounts. Wagner Sozi, 32, appeared in federal court by videoconference Thursday on a criminal complaint of wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Federal authorities said Sozi, along with a female accomplice, opened credit accounts at an office supply retailer under fake identities and used them to buy Visa gift cards, resulting in the chain losing more than $100,000. He processed these accounts through an employee of the retailer who was complicit in the scheme, the USAO said.

Sozi also used stolen identities to buy a Rolex for more than $15,000; rent a Ford Mustang convertible from Logan Airport, which he failed to return; and rent a Dodge Charger from Logan Airport, which he failed to return, according to the criminal complaint. He had a Maine driver's license with his photograph and the name of an identity theft victim, which was used to open a bank account and make large purchases at the Apple Store, the USAO said.

The charge of wire fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.