Two Men Indicted For Orchestrating A Bank Fraud Conspiracy In The Twin Cities

United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced a federal indictment charging two individuals with orchestrating a $1 million bank fraud conspiracy in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. VINH XUAN NGO, a/k/a “Houng Van Tran,” 36, and NORINH INTHONEPRADITH, a/k/a “Chau Ngo,” 38, are charged with Aggravated Identity Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Access Device Fraud, in a 15-count indictment.

According to the indictment, from approximately December 2012 through February 2014, NGO and INTHONEPRADITH conspired to defraud several individuals and financial institutions throughout the Twin Cities. The defendants created false identification documents from stolen information and assumed the victims’ identities to gain control over bank and credit card accounts. In addition, NGO and INTHONEPRADITH opened new bank accounts, conducted transactions, and obtained cash and merchandise through fraud.

According to the indictment, from approximately January 2013 through June 2013, NGO and INTHONEPRADITH used counterfeit permanent resident cards and driver’s licenses to open bank accounts and post office boxes, and to complete applications to reroute the delivery of victims’ mail, including mail related to bank and credit card accounts. Using victims’ names, identification and bank account information, NGO and INTHONEPRADITH made more than $46,000 in fraudulent deposits, withdrawals, and transfers at various financial institutions. The defendants also used counterfeit checks and credit cards to purchase approximately $20,000 worth of merchandise and gift cards at multiple retailers.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Kokkinen is prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

VINH XUAN NGO, 36
Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Charges:
• Conspiracy, 1 count
• Bank Fraud, 6 counts
• Access Device Fraud, 2 counts
• Aggravated Identity Theft, 2 counts

NORINH INTHONEPRADITH, 38
Brooklyn Center, Minn.

Charges:
• Conspiracy, 1 count
• Bank Fraud, 5 counts
• Access Device Fraud, 2 counts
• Aggravated Identity Theft, 2 counts

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The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.