Sunny Isles Beach Police Department Takes Aim at Condo Fraud

Published on November 02, 2026

With condominiums making up a significant portion of Sunny Isles Beach’s residential community, issues surrounding condominium associations, financial transparency, and accountability are especially important to residents. For many, their condominium is not only their home but also one of their largest financial investments.

Recognizing the importance of protecting residents and addressing potential crimes within condo and homeowners associations, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is expanding its investigative efforts to include HOA and condominium association fraud, with a target date of late January 2027.

Detective Michael Pascual will be assigned to address fraud and misconduct within HOAs and condominium associations. Detective Pascual has served the department for 10 years, including the last three and a half years as a detective where he has successfully investigated complex financial crimes, including a case involving approximately $1.6 million in losses that resulted in arrests. He is currently undergoing two months of specialized training from retired Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Tamara Reyes, a recognized expert in economic crimes and community association investigations.

"In a community where condominium living is such an important part of daily life, we want residents to know that allegations of criminal fraud will be taken seriously," Chief Eddie Santiago stated. "This initiative gives our detectives additional tools and training to investigate these complex cases."

The initiative was presented as an update at the October City Commission Workshop, where elected officials in attendance expressed strong support. The discussion highlighted the challenges residents can face when dealing with condominium association disputes and the importance of having resources available to investigate potential criminal wrongdoing.

While the Police Department will investigate allegations of criminal fraud, not all condominium and HOA-related complaints fall under its jurisdiction. Contractual disputes, general financial mismanagement, election concerns, and regulatory violations that do not involve suspected criminal activity are generally handled by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Residents who believe they have information regarding potential criminal fraud within their condominium or homeowners association will be able to submit their concerns directly to the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department through a dedicated online reporting page on the City’s website at sibfl.gov.

Look for more information on this new initiative coming soon.