SoCal man once stole billionaire's identity, then he targeted surfers, prosecutors say - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Andrea Flores

January 28, 2026

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A Southern California man with a history of bank robbery and identity theft has been linked to a fraudulent scheme targeting surfers across popular beach communities. Moundir Kamil, 56, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, attempted bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft in September, following a nearly $1-million scam that exploited the habits of surfers while they were on the water. The operation involved stealing credit cards, debit cards, phones, and other forms of identification from parked vehicles, which were then used for fraudulent purchases of luxury items and electronics. Kamil’s latest scheme unfolded between April 2021 and December 2022, with accomplices including Jordan Adams and Jennifer Pruneda. The group targeted beaches such as Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and San Diego County surf spots. Their method involved lookouts who monitored where surfers stored their keys before stealing cars and extracting valuables. Kamil also hacked facial recognition software on phones to access victims’ apps, allowing the thieves to empty bank accounts and approve fraudulent charges over the phone when card companies attempted to verify suspicious activity. This case is significant because it highlights the growing threat of organized crime targeting vulnerable individuals in tourist-heavy areas. Kamil’s history includes a 2011 identity theft scheme where he stole $1.4 million by impersonating billionaire Donald Bren. He was previously sentenced to 30 months in prison for robbing six banks in Orange County, earning him the nickname

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 1/28/2026