A former employee of a Broward County-based beauty supply company is accused of orchestrating a theft scheme that cost the company more than $1.1. million, according to police. Pembroke Park police say the investigation was triggered when an Amazon representative alerted Cortex USA to the presence of a local company, “Miami Vibes,” which was selling products at prices significantly below market value. Upon digging deeper, Cortex USA management discovered that “Miami Vibes” was linked to 28-year-old Byron Duran, the company’s warehouse manager since 2022. According to the company, Duran had been stealing inventory from their warehouse, re-labeling it under the “Miami Vibes” brand, and using Cortex USA’s FedEx shipping account to fulfill customer orders. The scheme allegedly resulted in $667,931.15 in losses for 2024 alone, adding up to over $1.1 million since Duran’s scheme began. Cortex USA, located at 2575 SW 32nd Ave., confronted Duran about the theft, and he admitted to his actions, reportedly agreeing to repay part of the losses, police say. The case was then handed over to Pembroke Park Police detectives for further investigation. The company fired him on Dec. 6 On Thursday, Duran voluntarily appeared at the Pembroke Park Police Station. Duran, police say, explained how he carried out the theft: creating fraudulent labels, shipping stolen inventory, and depositing the profits into his Wells Fargo bank account. Police also say Duran disclosed that he sent a portion of the stolen money to his family in Nicaragua. Duran reportedly expressed remorse and indicated his willingness to pay restitution to Cortex USA, police say. He was charged with grand theft and engaging in a scheme to defraud. Records show Duran remains in Broward County jail as of Saturday morning on a $75,000 bond. His attorney information was not immediately available on court records. Cortex USA has since hired a forensic examiner to trace the stolen funds.
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Former manager arrested in $1.1M theft scheme in Broward | Miami Herald