A South Florida resident is facing serious legal trouble after being apprehended by federal agents just before he could board a flight from Miami to Cuba, with plans to ultimately reach Russia. Vitalii Stefurac, also known as “Viktor,” a 48-year-old man from Hallandale Beach, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. This arrest follows a lengthy investigation initiated by a news report aired in July 2024.
Stefurac, who previously managed Dream Auto Collection, a luxury car dealership in Hollywood now closed, is accused of defrauding a Hawaii car buyer out of nearly $300,000. Alan Sue, a 78-year-old from Makawao, Hawaii, transferred $275,000 for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G63 with a rare BRABUS package, a vehicle he never received. Instead, records indicate the car was sold to another buyer.
In a statement, Sue recounted the emotional and financial toll this ordeal has taken on him, expressing feelings of desperation. He initially discovered the vehicle online and communicated with Stefurac, who identified himself as the dealership’s owner. Sue wired the money in two installments in April 2024, and although Stefurac confirmed receipt of the funds, the vehicle was never delivered, nor was any further communication made.
Federal prosecutors have highlighted Stefurac’s potential flight risk due to his dual citizenship and frequent international travel, especially to Russia. Despite these concerns, a federal judge granted him bond, set at $100,000, allowing his release. His girlfriend, Galina Kerer, posted her Hallandale Beach apartment as collateral for his bond. Stefurac has since surrendered his passport and is restricted to travel within South Florida.
Stefurac was confronted by media upon his release and inquired about the missing funds. Meanwhile, Sue continues to await a refund, which Stefurac has been promising for over a year but has yet to deliver. If convicted, Stefurac faces a prison sentence of three to four years and will be required under the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act to repay the full amount to Sue.
The Tangible Impact
This case underscores significant consumer protection issues, particularly for those engaged in high-value transactions over long distances. The ordeal experienced by Alan Sue highlights the risks involved in purchasing vehicles from online listings and dealing with dealers without physical verification.
For the community, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of due diligence and the potential pitfalls of international financial transactions. This situation may encourage more stringent regulatory oversight and consumer education initiatives to prevent similar occurrences. Potential buyers and sellers might become more vigilant, seeking verified dealerships and transparent communication channels when making substantial purchases. Additionally, the local legal system may experience increased scrutiny regarding bond decisions, especially for individuals with significant flight risks.