05-03-2025
Florida man sentenced for Telegram-based bank fraud scheme that targeted Alabama businesses
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A Florida man was sentenced for his role in a Telegram-based bank fraud scheme that targeted Alabama businesses, according to U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona on Wednesday.
Gabriel Odiot, 21, of Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $84,000. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in December.
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The plea agreement and other court documents from August 2022 to March 2023 state Odiot served as an administrator of 'RICH OFF PLAYS,' a Telegram channel dedicated to the negotiation of fraudulent checks. He used the channel to recruit mail carriers, advertise services of bank insiders and to collaborate with others to commit bank fraud.
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