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Ismael Velez

@ismaelvelez

Senior Special Agent at DHS OIG investigating FEMA claims fraud, with 70+ federal arrests, indictments and convictions as case agent.

United States

Message

At the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, I investigate fraudulent FEMA disaster assistance claims and USCIS benefit fraud, including organized schemes. I evaluate referrals, examine records and conduct interviews and field investigations to develop evidence for criminal prosecution, civil recovery and restitution.

As a Senior Special Agent, I supervise special agents across a five-state area and review case files, set investigative priorities and mentor agents. I also coordinate with prosecutors and law enforcement partners, and develop and deliver training.

Earlier, I investigated insurance fraud with the National Insurance Crime Bureau and worked organized fraud and money laundering cases at Homeland Security Investigations. My federal investigations have resulted in 70+ arrests, indictments and convictions as case agent, and I’ve testified in federal court and before grand juries.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Special Agent

Current

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector Ge

Feb 2021 - Present (5 years 9 months)

Evaluates and investigates complex fraud referrals involving fraudulent FEMA disaster assistance claims and USCIS benefit fraud, including organized fraud schemes. Supervises all special agents in the area of responsibility as third-line supervisor.

Fraud Investigation SIU Insurance Fraud Organized Fraud Fraud Claims Interviewing Recorded Statements Field Investigation Evidence Collection Public Records Analysis Social Media Investigations Report Writing Testifying Supervision Training FLETC

Special Agent

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector Ge

Jan 2017 - Jan 2021 (4 years)

Investigated program and claims fraud against DHS programs, building cases from financial records, database research, public records and witness and subject interviews. Partnered with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), insurers and law enforcement agencies on joint insurance fraud investigations.

Fraud Investigation Fraud Claims Financial Records Analysis Database Research Public Records Interviewing NICB Insurance Fraud

Special Agent, Financial Crimes Unit

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and

Jan 2013 - Jan 2017 (4 years)

Investigated organized fraud and money laundering organizations, tracing illicit proceeds with FinCEN Bank Secrecy Act data, Accurint and CLEAR. Worked joint cases with NICB, including a cargo theft investigation and insurance fraud matters.

Financial Crime Money Laundering FinCEN Bank Secrecy Act Accurint Clear NICB Cargo Theft Prevention Insurance Fraud Undercover Surveillance

Special Agent

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and

Jan 2009 - Jan 2013 (4 years)

Served as case agent on federal fraud and financial crimes investigations; prepared case reports and evidence for prosecution and testified in federal court and before grand juries.

Evidence Preparation Testifying Grand Jury Fraud Investigation Financial Crime Case Studies