Fraudster sentenced for nationwide scheme to sell thousands of fake Texas paper vehicle tags

HOUSTON - A 35-year-old Dallas man who formerly resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Daniel Rocky Christine-Tani pleaded guilty Nov. 29, 2023, to conspiring with others to buy and sell thousands of fraudulent Texas-issued temporary buyer tags for car sales when no cars were actually sold.

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Christine-Tani to serve 93 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Christine-Tani and others engaged in a widespread fraud to use fictitious car dealerships to generate and sell Texas temporary buyer tags without actually selling cars. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Christine-Tani committed the offense utilizing mass marketing and sophisticated means. Christine-Tani must also pay restitution to the Texas Department of Motor vehicles in the amount of $3,440,625.

"The prosecution sounded the alarm that led to changes in Texas law which will make paper vehicle tags a thing of the past by next year," said Hamdani. "Christine-Tani's behavior was part of an epidemic of fake Texas paper tags that threatened the safety of Texans and citizens throughout the United States."

"Through the sale of thousands of fake Texas temporary tags, Christine-Tani and his partners permitted criminals to commit crimes without fearing the consequences," said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. "This paper tag scheme enabled criminals to use fake Texas buyer tags while perpetrating violent crimes like drive-by shootings and armed robberies. FBI Houston agents proudly worked alongside law enforcement partners across the nation to dismantle this conspiracy which endangered so many American lives."

Christine-Tani and co-conspirators used the internet to buy and sell the fraudulent state-issued buyer tags and exchange proceeds from the illegal tag sales.

At the time of his plea, Christine-Tani acknowledged he and his co-conspirators used accounts on Google Mail, Instagram and Facebook to receive and deliver fraudulent buyer tags to illegal sellers and to make purchases all over the United States.

He also admitted he and his co-conspirators received and shared fraud proceeds via electronic payment services such as Cash App and Zelle.

Christine-Tani was taken into custody following the sentencing hearing.

Emmanuel Padilla Reyes aka Christian Hernandez Bonilla or Noel Rivera is still a fugitive in this case. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone providing information that directly leads to his arrest. Those with information about the fugitive's location should call 1-800-call-FBI or email TIPS.FBI.GOV.

The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance of Travis County Precinct 3 Constable's Office, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Harris County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police and New York City Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Adam Goldman prosecuted the case.