Major Crackdown in Bay County: Officials Dismantle Fraudulent License Ring!

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A joint operation in Panama City leads to the arrest of eight individuals, including DMV employees, for issuing fraudulent driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. The investigation uncovered a scheme operating through a third-party, CubaMax, involving illegal payments and bypassing testing requirements. Authorities have seized $120,000 in cash, and more arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
A joint operation in Panama City leads to the arrest of eight individuals, including DMV employees, for issuing fraudulent driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. The investigation uncovered a scheme operating through a third-party, CubaMax, involving illegal payments and bypassing testing requirements. Authorities have seized $120,000 in cash, and more arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues. (Symbolbild/MF)

Panama City, Florida, USA - In a significant crackdown on fraudulent activities in Florida, a joint operation has dismantled a network that was illegally issuing driver’s licenses. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) collaborated with state and federal agencies, leading to the arrests of eight individuals involved in the scheme. The operation was initiated on May 20, 2025, after authorities noticed suspicious transactions linked to the Bay County Tax Collector’s Office, according to CiberCuba.

The investigation uncovered that at least two employees of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) took part in this illicit operation. Bancelie Velazco, 37, and Demetrius Smith II, 30, both from Panama City, were charged with multiple counts of fraudulent issuance and official misconduct for providing licenses without the necessary testing. This shocking malpractice allowed applicants, including many undocumented immigrants, to bypass written and practical exams entirely.

How the Scheme Worked

Individuals seeking fraudulent licenses traveled from across Florida to Bay County, often enticed by middlemen who charged significant fees for the service. Payments were cleverly funneled to public officials via digital platforms like Cash App, as detailed by FreightWaves.

The operation was run from CubaMax, a company based in Callaway, Florida, which provided various immigration documentation services and served as a hub for potential clients. The owner, Niurbis Rosales, was arrested alongside assorted employees and associates who all face serious charges for their roles in this complex fraud. Items seized during raids included a whopping $120,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from these illegal activities.

Authorities Respond

Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford voiced concerns over the risks posed by unqualified drivers on the road. The fraudulent license scheme reportedly operated for at least two years, raising alarm bells in local and state law enforcement circles. As noted by Just the News, arrests and investigations are ongoing, with additional charges likely to surface as evidence is further analyzed.

In response to the rising tide of fraudulent license operations, Florida authorities are tightening regulations. Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 961, making it a crime to sell appointments for DMV services. This bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with harsh penalties for violators.

Moreover, local jurisdictions like Broward County have enacted ordinances aimed at curbing appointment sales, and Miami-Dade County has taken similar measures to combat this growing issue. It’s clear that Florida’s government is committed to addressing this problem head-on, ensuring that the integrity of the driver’s licensing system is restored and maintained.

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Ort Panama City, Florida, USA
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