San Diego, January 28, 2026
Moundir Kamil, a convicted bank robber, is scheduled for sentencing in Los Angeles after orchestrating a fraud scheme that targeted surfers in Southern California. Kamil’s crime ring stole car keys from surfers while they were in the water and made fraudulent purchases totaling at least $850,000. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of over six years and more than $1 million in restitution. The case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by outdoor enthusiasts regarding personal security and financial safety.
San Diego, CA
Convicted bank robber Moundir Kamil is set to be sentenced in Los Angeles federal court for orchestrating a nearly $1 million fraud scheme targeting surfers in San Diego County and other Southern California areas.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
According to court documents, Kamil, 56, of Orange County, led a crime ring that targeted surfers by stealing their car keys while they were in the water. An accomplice would confirm the surfer’s entry into the ocean, allowing another member to steal the key and break into the vehicle. Once inside, the thieves would steal wallets and phones, which Kamil accessed by bypassing facial recognition software. They then used the stolen bank cards to make fraudulent purchases, including luxury items and electronics, totaling at least $850,000. The scheme operated from April 2021 through December 2022. Kamil pleaded guilty in September to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, attempted bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Two co-defendants also pleaded guilty to the same charges. Sentencing for Kamil is scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of six years and three months in prison, along with over $1 million in restitution and fees. Kamil has a history of criminal activity, including previous convictions for bank robbery and bank fraud. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to stealing a tax-refund check for more than $1 million from real estate mogul Donald Bren. He was ordered to pay $1.1 million in restitution and served time in prison for a series of bank robberies in Orange County. Federal prosecutors have highlighted Kamil’s extensive criminal history and the significant impact of his recent fraudulent activities. They emphasize his deep entrenchment in criminal behavior and his willingness to prioritize personal gain over societal well-being. The sentencing will address the severity of Kamil’s actions and the harm caused to the victims and financial institutions involved.
Background on the Crime Ring
The crime ring’s activities were particularly targeted at surfers, who often leave their vehicles unattended while in the water. By exploiting this vulnerability, the thieves were able to steal personal belongings and access sensitive financial information. The stolen funds were used to purchase high-end luxury goods and expensive electronics, which Kamil would resell for cash during the course of the scheme. The operation spanned multiple Southern California locations, including San Diego County, Malibu, and Manhattan Beach, affecting numerous victims. The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by individuals who leave personal items in their vehicles while engaging in outdoor activities. It also underscores the importance of securing personal belongings and being vigilant about potential theft, especially in areas frequented by surfers and other beachgoers. The upcoming sentencing aims to hold Kamil accountable for his actions and serve as a deterrent to similar fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable individuals.
Impact on the Community
The fraudulent activities have had a significant impact on the surfing community and the broader Southern California area. Victims have reported financial losses and emotional distress due to the theft of personal information and funds. The case has prompted discussions about the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect personal belongings, particularly in beach and recreational areas. Law enforcement agencies have emphasized the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to prevent similar crimes in the future. The sentencing of Kamil is anticipated to provide a sense of justice to the victims and reinforce the commitment of authorities to combat financial fraud and identity theft in the region.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The legal proceedings have highlighted the complexities involved in prosecuting financial fraud schemes that span multiple jurisdictions and involve sophisticated methods of accessing personal information. The case has also shed light on the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and apprehending individuals involved in such schemes. The sentencing of Kamil is expected to address these challenges and set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future. It will also provide an opportunity for the court to consider the broader implications of such fraudulent activities on the community and the financial institutions affected. The outcome of the sentencing may influence future legal strategies and policies aimed at preventing and addressing financial fraud and identity theft.
Conclusion
The upcoming sentencing of Moundir Kamil serves as a critical moment in addressing the issue of financial fraud targeting vulnerable individuals, such as surfers in Southern California. It underscores the need for continued vigilance, preventive measures, and effective legal action to protect personal information and maintain trust in financial systems. The case also highlights the importance of community awareness and cooperation in preventing and responding to such crimes. As the sentencing approaches, stakeholders await the court’s decision, which will have lasting implications for the victims, the community, and the broader fight against financial fraud.
FAQ
What was Moundir Kamil convicted of?
Moundir Kamil was convicted of orchestrating a nearly $1 million fraud scheme targeting surfers in Southern California. He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, attempted bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
How did the crime ring operate?
The crime ring targeted surfers by stealing their car keys while they were in the water. An accomplice would confirm the surfer’s entry into the ocean, allowing another member to steal the key and break into the vehicle. Once inside, the thieves would steal wallets and phones, which Kamil accessed by bypassing facial recognition software. They then used the stolen bank cards to make fraudulent purchases, including luxury items and electronics, totaling at least $850,000. The scheme operated from April 2021 through December 2022.
What is the sentencing outcome expected to be?
Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of six years and three months in prison for Moundir Kamil, along with over $1 million in restitution and fees. The sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court.
What is Kamil’s criminal history?
Kamil has a history of criminal activity, including previous convictions for bank robbery and bank fraud. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to stealing a tax-refund check for more than $1 million from real estate mogul Donald Bren. He was ordered to pay $1.1 million in restitution and served time in prison for a series of bank robberies in Orange County.
What impact did the fraud scheme have on the community?
The fraudulent activities had a significant impact on the surfing community and the broader Southern California area. Victims reported financial losses and emotional distress due to the theft of personal information and funds. The case has prompted discussions about the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect personal belongings, particularly in beach and recreational areas.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Moundir Kamil, 56, of Orange County |
| Charges | Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, attempted bank fraud, aggravated identity theft |
| Scheme Duration | April 2021 through December 2022 |
| Targeted Areas | San Diego County, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and other Southern California locations |
| Stolen Amount | At least $850,000 |
| Sentencing Date | Scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court |
| Prosecutor’s Recommendation | Six years and three months in prison, over $1 million in restitution and fees |
| Previous Convictions | Bank robbery, bank fraud, theft of tax-refund check from Donald Bren |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Two Men Plead Guilty in $1.5 Million Gold Scam
San Diego County Reports Over $130 Million Lost to Elder Scams
San Diego Man Sentenced for Defrauding Seniors
Suspicious Fires Lead to Court Order for San Diego Woman
California Real Estate Mogul Arrested for Alleged Ponzi Scheme
San Diego Woman Sentenced for Unemployment Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.