SECAUCUS, NJ – A Secaucus couple has been arrested following an investigation into a scheme that defrauded victims across the United States out of more than $2.2 million. The United States Postal Service first alerted Secaucus Police in early February after intercepting a package with $52,000 in money orders from a scam victim, addressed to the couple’s residence on Edna Place.
Detective Sean Egan led the investigation, uncovering that throughout 2023, individuals in states including Florida, Minnesota, Arizona, and others were conned into sending cash, money orders, and gift cards. These were purportedly for taxes, fees, and IRS payments for non-existent Publishers Clearing House Lottery winnings.
Banking records of Hakeem Lee and Majda Hodzic-Lee indicated over $1.1 million in scam proceeds flowing through their accounts and into businesses owned by them, as well as to suspected co-conspirators in various countries. The couple was arrested on March 27, and law enforcement seized significant evidence from their home and vehicles.