Tampa auto dealer sentenced in insurance scam
A 27-year-old Tampa man is heading to federal prison after investigators say he used his position as a car dealer to submit fake loan applications and insurance claims. FOX 13’s Ariel Plasencia reports.
TAMPA, Fla. – A 27-year-old Tampa man is heading to federal prison after investigators say he used his position as a car dealer to submit fake loan applications and insurance claims.
Mohamad Jihad Fakih was sentenced to four and a half years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and attempting to export a stolen motor vehicle, according to the state attorney’s office.
Fakih, who was found guilty in August 2025, was also ordered to forfeit $378,886.96 — the proceeds of “the conspiracy to commit wire fraud.”
The backstory:
According to court documents, Fakih used his role as a car dealer and wholesaler to access a…
Verify any request for money or sensitive data by hanging up and calling the organization back using a verified number found on their official website or the back of your physical bank card.
