A property manager, allegedly nicknamed 'The Boss,' and five associates have been arrested in connection with a scheme accused of siphoning at least $5.8 million from five Miami-Dade condominium and homeowners' associations. The two-year investigation, dubbed Operation Sundown by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, alleges that the group targeted elderly, primarily Spanish-speaking volunteer board members and manipulated association finances for personal gain.
The investigation centered on five communities: Mira Villa Condo Association, Los Sueños Condo, Samari Lake East Condo Association, Lago Grande, and Country Lake Manors. Investigators assert that the alleged operation utilized property management companies, affiliated vendors, and questionable invoices to move association money through a web of businesses.
Juan Awais, 60, reportedly used his company, Sunshine Management Services, to influence the associations it managed. Investigators claim that some board members signed documents they did not fully understand. At Mira Villas, Los Sueños, and Samari Lake East, where Sunshine was the legitimate property manager, representatives allegedly steered repair contracts toward companies connected to the group.
These connected companies purportedly paid legitimate contractors for work while diverting portions of insurance payouts, loans, and other association funds through affiliated businesses. Investigators also allege that money was extracted from delinquent assessment collections, estoppel fees, and proceeds from foreclosure and tax sales.
One specific instance cited involves Samari Lake East receiving a $20 million insurance payout after Hurricane Irma in 2017. According to the arrest warrant, a company owned by Awais' former romantic partner was due to receive $1.4 million. Within six days of the money arriving, investigators say $926,000 left that company's account, with hundreds of thousands allegedly transferred to businesses linked to Awais and other defendants. At Samari Lake East, a company belonging to Cynthea Waltz reportedly received millions for window and door work, despite its bank account being opened just one day before the insurance settlement was distributed. Over $4.6 million was subsequently wired to this account, with some funds paying legitimate contractors and other portions allegedly flowing to companies tied to the defendants.
A similar pattern allegedly occurred at Mira Villas, where insurance proceeds for roof repairs were funneled through a company connected to Michael Irizarry before distribution to legitimate contractors and other affiliated businesses.
The alleged scheme also involved efforts to control association leadership. Sunshine reportedly maintained a "voter list" at Samari Lake East with notes categorizing potential voters as 'nice,' 'complicado' (complicated), or 'enemiga' (enemy). Messages allegedly discussed vote control.
Investigators also reported finding documents that appeared to have been created or altered after their written dates, purportedly to legitimize payments to affiliated businesses. In what is described as an attempt to obstruct the investigation, board members were allegedly discouraged from contacting police, and some board presidents were pressured to sign legal retainers to "stop police contact."
Several witnesses reportedly told investigators they feared Awais and potential repercussions for relatives in Cuba. Awais faces charges including racketeering, money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud. The other defendants face various charges related to the alleged scheme. Attorneys for some defendants have stated they intend to defend their clients vigorously.
The case has prompted calls from Miami residents for audits of all condo and HOA associations. This case follows the high-profile Hammocks HOA fraud scandal in South Florida, where a former board president was sentenced to prison for similar allegations of manipulation and misappropriation of funds, highlighting vulnerabilities when volunteer boards cede significant financial control to external managers.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office indicated that Operation Sundown is ongoing, with the possibility of further arrests. The total losses could potentially exceed the $5.8 million established so far.