Legacy of Deception
José Trinidad Márquez has spent decades weaving a web of deception, masquerading as an oil executive to manipulate some of the world’s leading corporations. Just between November and December 2024, this Venezuelan national set his sights on 30 high-profile companies, reaching out to industry giants like Samsung and Siemens in a bid to secure fraudulent commissions.
Márquez first made headlines in 1998 when an EL PAÍS article highlighted his scheme to con Astilleros Españoles, one of Spain’s top shipbuilding firms, as a fake oil mogul. Now, three decades later, he has perfected his con game. Sporting a sharp suit, a crisp tie, and accessorized with a handkerchief, trench coat, and a fashionable hat, Márquez smartly chose upscale restaurants and luxurious hotel lobbies in Madrid as his meeting venues. Introducing himself as the General Director and CEO of PEMEX for Europe, he lured potential victims with business cards that boasted his fabricated title. In late 2024, he reached out to various multinational corporations, presenting tempting bids that concealed his true intentions, successfully ensnaring at least one business in his trap.
The Need for Vigilance
Through investigative efforts, EL PAÍS has shed light on Márquez’s elaborate schemes. Analyzing emails, photographs, and correspondence between Márquez and his targets reveals that his tactics are strikingly reminiscent of those from the 1990s. A Venezuelan news outlet has dubbed him “El Camaleón criollo,” or the “criollo chameleon,” highlighting his exceptional ability to adapt to various deceptive circumstances.
An eye-opening incident occurred on October 27, 2024, when Márquez reached out to Eliezer José Marín, an independent contractor based in Murcia, Spain. Marín, a professional skilled in transcribing audio and video for legal cases, received an enticing offer from Márquez, who claimed to represent Dr. Víctor Manuel Navarro Cervantes, the president of PMI Holdings Petróleos España SL, a PEMEX subsidiary. He invited Marín to assist in drafting invitations for tenders, promising a lucrative monthly salary of €4,000—a prospect too appealing for Marín to resist as he sought to provide for his family.
As Marín began working remotely, he attended virtual meetings where he was greeted by the impeccably dressed Márquez. However, he soon noticed peculiar inconsistencies, such as Márquez’s explanation that their company was operating remotely due to the pandemic. Days filled with drafting tender specifications and contacting interested organizations plunged Marín deeper into Márquez’s elaborate deception.
Unraveling the Fraud
Emails reviewed by EL PAÍS revealed that various companies, eager for collaboration, sent representatives to meet Márquez, who showcased a persona of executive authority alongside other alleged PMI executives. Yet, as doubts crept in, Marín learned that many of the email addresses he’d been communicating with were fabrications.
In time, Márquez’s behavior grew more unpredictable. When Siemens requested proper identification before a meeting, Márquez’s defensive reaction hinted at panic. He claimed that the PMI president had been hospitalized and insisted that Marín inform Siemens of the cancellation.
Marín’s epiphany came when he overheard a conversation with national police officers at Márquez’s residence. Though initially frightened, he began to connect the dots of the unfolding deception.
The serious nature of Márquez’s fraudulent activities became evident when he conned a real estate company into paying a €12,000 deposit for a nonexistent bid. It was at this juncture that Marín confirmed his suspicions; reaching out to PEMEX, he discovered that Márquez had fabricated any connection to the company.
Determined to expose the con artist, Marín took action in January, reporting Márquez to the authorities after losing trust in him and receiving no compensation for his efforts. The case is now under the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Unit.
In spite of his ordeal, Marín remains resilient, expressing hope that his experience may encourage others to share their own stories of vigilance and growth. The saga of José Trinidad Márquez serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for skepticism and due diligence in both professional and personal interactions. With nearly three decades of deceit behind him, Márquez stands as a reminder of the importance of awareness in an age ripe for opportunistic fraud.
Source: Elpais
