Mubasher Riaz, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan, has been sentenced to 50 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The sentencing was handed down by Judge Matthew F. Leitman, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
The case involved Mubasher Riaz and his brother, Muzzammil Riaz, who were both charged earlier this year with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Authorities stated that the brothers purchased goods online using false identities and various methods intended to evade detection by vendors. They acquired items such as cell phones, tablets, electronic doorbells, and clothing from hundreds of vendors.
After receiving the merchandise, the defendants would file fraudulent refund claims alleging the products were defective but did not return the original items. Instead, they sent back empty boxes or unrelated objects that matched the expected shipment weight. The unlawfully obtained goods were then resold for profit.
During a search at Mubasher Riaz’s home in November 2023—conducted while he was under investigation for sexual exploitation of children—FBI agents found evidence of the fraud scheme in plain view. This included more than 40 cell phones and 30 tablets labeled with different personal identities used in the scheme. Proceeds from these activities were converted into cryptocurrency; agents recovered and liquidated these assets.
In connection with another case related to sexual exploitation of children, Mubasher Riaz had already received a sentence of 188 months earlier this year from Judge Sean F. Cox. Some proceeds from his fraud scheme are being directed toward restitution for minor victims involved in that case.
As part of his sentence for wire fraud conspiracy, Riaz must forfeit $400,000 from liquidated fraud proceeds as well as 91 electronic devices traced back to his activities. He will also be required to repay victims following a restitution hearing scheduled for February 4, 2026.
Authorities believe there may be additional victims affected by this scheme and encourage them to contact the FBI at fbi.gov/mubasherriazvictims (the link is case sensitive).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation into this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Zurek prosecuted the case with Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Fasbinder handling forfeiture proceedings.
