Great Lakes Wire

Mubasher Riaz, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., with Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson from the FBI's Detroit Division also present.

Court records reveal that Mubasher Riaz and his brother, Muzzammil Riaz, were charged earlier this year for their involvement in an online refund scheme. Muzzammil Riaz had already pleaded guilty on June 4, 2025. Both brothers admitted to using fraudulent identities and other means to purchase goods online and later falsely claiming refunds without returning the actual items.

The scheme involved purchasing items such as cell phones and tablets from various vendors and then submitting false refund claims while sending back empty boxes or counterfeit items. Mubasher Riaz would resell these goods for profit. The total loss incurred by vendors exceeded $400,000.

FBI agents discovered the fraudulent activities during a search at Mubasher Riaz's home in November 2023 when he was under investigation for another matter. Evidence found included over 40 cell phones and 30 tablets labeled with different identities used in the fraud.

Authorities believe there may be many victims of this scheme and urge potential victims to contact the FBI through their website.

Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Zurek is prosecuting the case.