Former CFO of Maccaferri North America Charged with Wire Fraud and Identity Theft
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland announced on Monday that Teresa Desy Majo, former CFO of Officine Maccaferri's North American subsidiary, has been indicted on charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of forged immigration documents. Prosecutors allege that between January 2021 and May 2024, Majo used the identities of multiple executives to forge approval documents, which she submitted to the payroll departments of U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries to obtain improper compensation and benefits. Additionally, after being terminated, she concealed facts from immigration authorities to obtain lawful permanent resident status. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and a mandatory two-year sentence for identity theft.
U.S. federal authorities say a senior financial executive at an Italian construction company allegedly used forged documents to increase her own salary and benefits. The allegation comes from an announcement released Monday by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland.
According to a press release from U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes, Teresa Desy Majo—who served as the financial head of the North American subsidiary of Officine Maccaferri S.p.A—has been charged with "wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of forged immigration documents in connection with the scheme."
The press release states that Majo "used the identities of multiple Maccaferri executives to fraudulently approve purported employee benefits and compensation for her own enrichment."
According to the press release, the alleged criminal conduct occurred between January 2021 and May 2024. Federal authorities say Majo defrauded both the U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries of Maccaferri's North American operations.
Hayes's announcement says Majo forged documents and tampered with other executives' emails to authorize "unwarranted employee compensation and benefits." These documents were submitted to the payroll departments of Maccaferri's U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries.
Majo, originally from Italy, had been residing in Virginia. At some point, Maccaferri terminated Majo, but federal authorities say she concealed this from immigration authorities: "After Maccaferri terminated her, Majo concealed the fact of her termination and lied to immigration authorities to obtain lawful permanent resident status," the press release states.
According to Hayes's announcement, Majo faces up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud and a mandatory 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft.
Maccaferri did not immediately respond to questions sent via email on Tuesday morning.