A man accused of helping extract more than $4 million from thousands of Americans through letters promising psychic predictions and sudden wealth appeared in Miami federal court this week after authorities extradited him from Germany, the Justice Department announced.
Mael Chemla, 61, made his initial appearance Monday, November 2. Federal prosecutors charge the former Florida resident with conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud. They allege the operation targeted victims nationwide from September 2016 through November 2020, including many older and otherwise vulnerable people.
How The Alleged Mailing Scheme Worked
According to the indictment, Chemla and alleged associates mailed letters that appeared to come from psychics with special knowledge of recipients’ futures.
The letters promised an imminent financial windfall but instructed recipients to send money first.
Prosecutors say Chemla opened U.S. bank accounts under the purported psychics’ names, deposited victims’ checks, and wired the money to European accounts controlled by an alleged co-conspirator. The alleged cross-border transfers distinguish the case from a simple deceptive mailing: investigators traced a claimed financial promise into an international movement of victims’ funds.
German authorities participated in the extradition proceedings, while the Justice Department and U.S. Marshals coordinated Chemla’s return. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating. Prosecutors say he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
A Different Scheme In Frisco
North Texas has seen a separate prosecution centered on similar promises of supernatural help.
In June, federal prosecutors charged Frisco residents Bridgette Doreen Evans and Vinnie John Uwanawich in an alleged $2.5 million psychic fraud operation, which The Dallas Express covered.
Rather than mailing promises of unexpected riches, prosecutors allege Evans used an online psychic persona to approach people experiencing grief or relationship difficulties. She allegedly persuaded victims to send money and gold for rituals meant to remove financial curses. Prosecutors say one Washington state victim sent more than $2 million.
Why The Warning Extends Beyond Psychic Letters
The Federal Trade Commission found that Americans age 60 and older reported approximately $3 billion in fraud losses during 2025, up from about $600 million in 2020. Among people 80 and older who reported losing money to fraud in 2025, the median loss reached $2,000.
The FTC also warns consumers against sending money or personal information to strangers promising unexpected rewards. Unsolicited letters, urgent demands for payment, and claims that a prize or windfall requires a fee are reasons to stop and verify the offer independently.
Chemla has not been convicted. The charges remain allegations, and prosecutors must prove them in court. The same presumption of innocence applies to the Frisco defendants.
Provided by Dallas Express
