Hollywood Restaurant Owner Busted in $339K Credit Card Fraud Scheme

A Hollywood restaurant owner and two others have been charged in a large-scale mail theft and credit card fraud scheme that defrauded victims of over $339,000, authorities said.

Wilkin Estrella, 46, owner of Labios Kitchen and Lounge, was arrested on 18 charges, including organized fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. His wife, Lissett Liranzo, 45, and Rodney Manuel Arias, 34, were also arrested on related charges.

The scheme came to light when a victim noticed unauthorized credit card applications in her name and saw someone retrieve her mail from a black Cadillac Escalade—later linked to Estrella. Investigators discovered that Estrella and an employee had been stealing mail across multiple cities, using stolen identities to open and max out credit cards within 30 days.

Authorities found numerous fraudulent credit cards at Estrella’s home. The stolen funds were spent on luxury items, travel, club expenses, and even daycare services. Arias, another alleged accomplice, is accused of using fraudulent cards to buy Apple products and BMW tires.

Estrella and Liranzo were released on bond, while Arias remains jailed on a $225,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests possible.