Six Arrested in Multi-State Rideshare Fraud Scheme

A coordinated investigation by the Kearny Police Department and Jersey City Police Department has led to the arrest of six individuals allegedly involved in a complex fraud ring targeting rideshare drivers across several states, including incidents in Hudson County.

According to a press release from the Kearny Police Department, arrest and search warrants were executed on May 8 in Brooklyn, Newark, and Miramar, Florida. Kearny detectives were present at all locations. The operation resulted in 280 criminal charges and the closure of 40 cases statewide, with more charges expected.

The suspects, all from Brooklyn, New York, were identified as Benshley Francillon, 24; Zamo Examo, 21; Jaden Labissiere, 21; Cedrick Alcime, 20; Walton Lawrence, 20; and Adebola Olowu, 22. A seventh individual, Michael Lawrence, 22, also of Brooklyn, has been charged but remains at large.

Investigators allege the group targeted rideshare drivers by requesting trips with identical pickup and drop-off locations. When drivers became confused, suspects would offer to input a new destination on the driver’s phone and then steal the device. Once in possession of the phone, suspects accessed financial applications and personal data, drained bank accounts, opened fraudulent credit lines, and funneled funds to accomplices. Reported losses have exceeded $100,000.

“Over the years, we’ve taken down cargo theft rings, burglary crews, and cyber fraud networks, and this case is no different,” said Kearny Police Chief Scott Macfie. “Our detectives have the technology, the investigative skill, and the strategic mindset to untangle even the most sophisticated schemes. This was a true team effort, and it’s a reflection of what’s possible when experience and collaboration come together.”

Chief Macfie acknowledged the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for its legal support over the two-year investigation and credited several cooperating agencies, including the Jersey City Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, MAGLOCLEN, and multiple municipal police departments in New Jersey, New York, and Florida.