Introduction to the Case
GLEN ELLYN, Ill. — Federal charges have been filed against a suburban woman accused of conducting a $900,000 merchandise fraud scheme in Chicagoland. A recently unsealed federal indictment charges 40-year-old Iryna Boguslavska, a Glen Ellyn resident, with one count of wire fraud in connection with the alleged fraud scheme.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
According to prosecutors, Boguslavska allegedly conducted the scheme over a three-year period, between October 2020 and October 2023, by purchasing high-end clothing online and later returning the items in person multiple times, sometimes even returning cheaper alternatives in place of the more costly merchandise. In addition to repeatedly returning the items, prosecutors say Boguslavska also allegedly falsely claimed that some items she purchased online never arrived in order to get additional refunds for the items.
Evidence and Investigation
Surveillance photos provided by prosecutors show a suspect accused in a $900k merchandise fraud scheme.
While the complaint does not identify the retailer impacted, it does name only one company and the photos in the complaint appear to show Boguslavska allegedly conducting the returns at a TJ Max store. Additionally, prosecutors said Boguslavska visited several locations around Chicago to conduct what they called "several overlapping fraud schemes.
Methods Used to Conceal Identity
Prosecutors say Boguslavska used face coverings and fake names to allegedly conceal her identity, cycled through several addresses and credit cards when conducting the transactions. In one example detailed in the complaint, Boguslavska allegedly enacted a return for a dress worth $637 in January of 2022, but it was later determined that she had allegedly swapped the real dress for a cheaper alternative that did not match anything in the store’s inventory.
Losses Incurred by the Business
In another alleged incident from July 2022, prosecutors said Boguslavska allegedly purchased a $424 swimsuit and enacted 11 different returns at stores around Chicagoland, which allegedly resulted in a $5,100 loss for the business.
Search and Seizure
During a search of Boguslavska’s home, prosecutors said investigators allegedly uncovered around $201,276 worth of legitimate merchandise, about $109,776 worth of fraudulent merchandise, $6,000 in cash, $53,907 in checks, $10,685 worth of gift cards from the retailer and, 519 American Express gift cards worth $1,848. Prosecutors said a review of her bank records allegedly showed over 800 credits from the retailer totaling more than $208,000.
Conclusion
The case against Iryna Boguslavska is a significant example of merchandise fraud schemes and the lengths to which individuals may go to commit such crimes. The use of face coverings, fake names, and the cycling through of addresses and credit cards are all methods used to conceal identity and avoid detection. The losses incurred by the business as a result of these actions are substantial, and the investigation and search of Boguslavska’s home have uncovered significant evidence of the alleged fraud.
FAQs
- Q: What is the nature of the charges filed against Iryna Boguslavska?
A: Iryna Boguslavska has been charged with one count of wire fraud in connection with a $900,000 merchandise fraud scheme. - Q: How did Boguslavska allegedly conduct the scheme?
A: Boguslavska allegedly purchased high-end clothing online and later returned the items in person multiple times, sometimes returning cheaper alternatives in place of the more costly merchandise. She also allegedly falsely claimed that some items never arrived to get additional refunds. - Q: What evidence was uncovered during the search of Boguslavska’s home?
A: Investigators allegedly found legitimate and fraudulent merchandise, cash, checks, gift cards, and American Express gift cards totaling significant amounts. - Q: What is the estimated loss to the business due to Boguslavska’s alleged actions?
A: The estimated loss is over $900,000, with specific incidents resulting in losses such as $5,100 for the return of a $424 swimsuit.
