Vitalii Stefurac, a South Florida man, is accused of defrauding Alan Sue of nearly $300,000 in a wire fraud crime.
Stefurac, who also went by the alias Viktor, was the owner of Dream Auto Collection, a luxury car dealership in Hollywood, Florida, specializing in imported vehicles.
In 2023, Sue, 78, ordered a Mercedes-Benz G63 with a rare BRABUS package for $275,000. He wired the money in two installments but never received the luxury vehicle. Records show that the car in question was sold to another buyer.
After months of investigation, federal agents arrested Stefurac just before he boarded a flight from Miami to Cuba. His final destination was reportedly Russia, a country he is known to have visited several times.
In an interview with WPLG News in Florida last year, Sue described the experience as emotionally and financially draining.
“I thought about killing myself … I’ll say it right out — I was stupid and foolish,” the Hawaiian resident said. “I think Viktor took my money and went on expensive vacations.
“He went to Nepal and climbed some mountain — sent me a picture,” Sue added. “I think he went to Europe, too. I think it was all on my money.”
Stefurac appeared in federal court in Fort Lauderdale earlier this month. His bond was set at $100,000, although prosecutors argued he posed a flight risk. As for Sue, it remains unclear whether he will be reimbursed for the cost of the car and his legal expenses.
Scams like this just don’t happen with big-ticket items — they can happen to anyone. Here are some key signs to look out for to protect yourself when you’re in the market for a new or used car.
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Licensed car dealers typically do not request wire transfers or large upfront payments. If you’re dealing with a private seller, don’t give in to pressure — inspect the vehicle thoroughly before handing over any money. Always conduct transactions in person, document everything and don’t hesitate to walk away if something feels off. To stay safe, buy only from registered dealers.
