Owner of Local Tire Shop Indicted on Kidnapping and Fraud Charges
A Corpus Christi tire shop owner is now at the center of a shocking federal investigation. On September 29, federal and local law enforcement agents raided Danny’s Tire Service on Baldwin Boulevard. The raid followed an indictment accusing Victor Daniel Almaguer-Cantu, the shop’s owner, of kidnapping, fraud, and identity theft.
According to court documents unsealed on September 24, Almaguer-Cantu and his co-defendants allegedly lured a man—identified only as C.O.B.—to the shop under pretenses, then held him against his will, stole his money, and used his personal information to commit financial fraud.
The Facebook Marketplace Trap
The alleged crime began with a fake Facebook Marketplace ad posted on March 13. The ad, created by someone using the initials “J.B.,” offered $750 to transport tires and directed interested individuals to Danny’s Tire Shop on the Westside of Corpus Christi.
Unaware of what awaited him, the victim arrived at the shop on March 14, expecting legitimate work. However, once inside, he was escorted to an office where two unidentified men entered and locked the door behind them.
Soon after, Almaguer-Cantu appeared on a video call, yelling accusations at the victim. He claimed the man had stolen from him or was working for someone who did. Despite the victim’s insistence that he was only responding to a Facebook ad, the situation quickly escalated.
Beaten, Threatened, and Forced to Withdraw Money
The indictment details a disturbing sequence of events. Following Almaguer-Cantu’s orders, the two men physically assaulted the victim. During a second video call, the suspects moved the man to another office and continued the accusations. Almaguer-Cantu allegedly warned that the tires in question were stolen and threatened to call the FBI, suggesting the victim could face prison time.
Instead of reporting the matter to authorities, Almaguer-Cantu took things further. He reportedly stole the victim’s Social Security number, email access, and banking details, using them to open fraudulent lines of credit with two companies—Acima Credit LLC and Snap Finance—totaling nearly $6,000.
The indictment also states that Almaguer-Cantu threatened the victim’s family, warning them not to close the fraudulent accounts.
Forced Transactions Across Corpus Christi
The ordeal didn’t end there. Court records show that Almaguer-Cantu personally drove the victim to multiple ATMs and stores, forcing him to withdraw and spend thousands of dollars.
At a Bank of America ATM on Mesquite Street, the victim was ordered to withdraw $2,000. Then, at another branch on South Alameda Street, he was forced to cancel an additional $4,000. Later that day, the suspect compelled the victim to purchase $10,000 worth of jewelry at Zaman Jewelers inside the Corpus Christi Trade Center.
These acts, according to the indictment, amount to a pattern of intimidation and financial exploitation that unfolded over the course of a single day.
Co-Defendant and Pending Arrest Warrants
Authorities identified another suspect, Roberto Luis Saldana, who worked at the tire shop. Saldana faces charges of conspiracy to kidnap and wire fraud.
Both Almaguer-Cantu and Saldana face multiple federal counts, including:
- Conspiracy to Kidnap
- Aiding and Abetting
- Wire Fraud (two counts)
- Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
- Aggravated Identity Theft
As of this report, arrest warrants remain pending for the individuals involved.
Law Enforcement Tightens Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas are leading the case. Local police assisted in executing the search warrant at the tire shop.
Investigators are also reviewing whether additional victims may have been targeted through similar online scams, as the case suggests a calculated effort to lure unsuspecting workers through social media deception.
Authorities urge anyone who may have encountered suspicious job postings or similar schemes to report them immediately.
A Community Shocked by Betrayal
Residents of Corpus Christi expressed disbelief over the allegations involving a well-known local business. The case highlights the increasing risks associated with online job scams and identity theft, both of which have risen nationwide in recent years.
While the investigation continues, Danny’s Tire Service remains closed. Attempts to reach the business for comment have been unsuccessful.
The case against Victor Daniel Almaguer-Cantu now moves forward in federal court, marking one of the city’s most disturbing intersections between online fraud and violent crime.