Two Miami residents allegedly defrauded friends and friends' family members out of nearly $45,000 for a Royal Caribbean cruise they were never booked on, along with other luxury goods.
Antonio Diaz, 65, and his wife, Maria Blasco Diaz, 64, were arrested on April 7 and allegedly stole a total of $200,259.85, according to an arrest report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
One of the victims asked Blasco Diaz for input on a cruise since she often sailed on them. Blasco Diaz allegedly said she could get discounts through a friend who claimed to work for Royal Caribbean.
“Ms. Diaz offered cruise excursions, drink packages, room upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and travel insurance,” the arrest report said. The victim “and her family paid Mr. and Ms. Diaz a total of $44,910 through Zelle, checks, and cash. Checks were all cashed by Ms. Diaz and the Zelle payments were sent to Mr. Diaz.”
The cruise was scheduled to set sail on July 9, 2023, on the cruise line’s Odyssey of the Seas ship. Blasco Diaz had not provided the victim with travel documents by late June, according to authorities, making multiple excuses and claiming that her friend had been fired from the cruise line.
