Tax Collector’s audit has reviewed more than 75,000 applications, with over 6,000 failing final review as authorities continue investigating suspected fraudulent permits
By Le Floridien Staff
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL — Eleven people have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged scheme involving fraudulently obtained Disabled Person Parking Permits in Miami-Dade County, authorities announced Monday.
The arrests are part of Operation Parking Denied, an investigation conducted by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office following findings from an extensive audit launched by the office of Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez.
Fernandez joined Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz in announcing the arrests as authorities disclosed the growing scope of the investigation.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, those arrested are Ryan Carbonell, Roberto Lopez, Jorge Yanes, Irene Oria, Juan Aristizabal, Rafael Brito Diaz, Kristina Drobachevskaia, Alexander Campo, Camilo Padilla, Lianne Quintero and Etian Vila.
Audit triggered criminal investigation
The investigation began after the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office conducted an audit of Disabled Person Parking Permit applications and identified numerous applications suspected of having been fraudulently obtained.
The Tax Collector’s Office then referred its findings and supporting documentation to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Public Corruption Section, which launched a further investigation.
Investigators allege that brokers helped applicants obtain disabled parking permits through fraudulent documentation in exchange for financial gain.
According to authorities, the alleged scheme involved disability certification forms containing forged physician signatures.
Investigators also found cases in which physicians whose names appeared on applications had never treated or certified the individuals seeking the permits. Even more troubling, authorities said some applications were purportedly certified by a physician who had died in 2025.
The allegations raise concerns about the integrity of a program intended to provide accessible parking to people with legitimate disabilities.
More than 6,000 applications fail audit
The arrests come as the Tax Collector’s Office reaches a significant milestone in its countywide review of disabled parking permit applications.
According to the office, more than 75,000 applications have now been reviewed, with more than 6,000 failing the final audit. Thousands of additional applications remain under review and subject to verification.
“A disabled parking permit is not a privilege to be bought, forged or stolen,” Fernandez said. “It exists for people who genuinely need it.”
Fernandez warned that his office intends to continue working with law enforcement when suspected fraud is uncovered.
“We will not tolerate anyone abusing that trust, and if you defraud this program, we will work with law enforcement to find you and hold you accountable,” he said.
The Tax Collector’s Office launched the audit as part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of the Disabled Person Parking Permit program and identify permits that may have been improperly obtained.
As auditors identified cases that could potentially involve criminal activity, the office began referring them to the Sheriff’s Office for investigation.
Investigation remains ongoing
Fernandez said the large number of applications failing the audit demonstrates why a countywide review was necessary.
“More than 6,000 applications failing demonstrates why this review was necessary,” he said. “This is about protecting the integrity of the program and protecting the residents it was created to serve.”
Fernandez added that his office intends to continue the audit and its collaboration with Sheriff Cordero-Stutz and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
“We are going to continue the audit, continue working with Sheriff Cordero-Stutz and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and make clear that no one is above the law,” Fernandez said.
Operation Parking Denied remains an ongoing investigation, and authorities indicated that additional investigative efforts are continuing. The Tax Collector’s Office said it will continue reviewing applications and referring cases involving suspected criminal activity to law enforcement.
The 11 individuals named by authorities have been arrested in connection with the investigation. The allegations against them remain accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
