Full Breakdown
Newport Beach Car Rental Company Targeted in Elaborate Scam Linked to Justin Bieber
4/16/2026, 1:06:53 PM
Overview of the Incident
A Newport Beach car rental company, Newport Beach Moke, has reported the theft of four compact Moke-style buggies valued at over $200,000, allegedly orchestrated by individuals posing as members of pop star Justin Bieber's entourage. The incident unfolded during the Coachella music festival, where a man identifying himself as "Alen" requested a last-minute rental of the vehicles for a ten-day period.
Details of the Scam
Chad Marta, co-owner of Newport Beach Moke, initially believed the request was legitimate, as it was purportedly for Bieber's group, with references made to Bieber's young son. Despite some red flags, including the rushed nature of the request, the company prepared the vehicles and delivered them to a Palm Desert address near the festival. Shortly after the delivery, the situation deteriorated. Marta's wife spoke with the renter, who appeared intoxicated and claimed everything was fine, despite the vehicles being tracked south towards the US-Mexico border.
The rental agreement included a $20,000 deposit, which was never received. The scammers assured that the wire transfer would occur the following day, but tracking data later indicated that the vehicles had their GPS signals disabled, suggesting a planned operation to evade detection.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is currently investigating the incident. While the authorities have not confirmed any connection to Bieber or organized crime, there are unverified claims from the Marta family suggesting potential links to organized crime, including the Mexican cartel. The family has been advised by law enforcement to refrain from pursuing the case independently.
Perspectives from the Victims
Sadie Marta, co-owner of Newport Beach Moke, expressed feelings of violation and concern over the possibility of being targeted by a sophisticated car theft ring. She described the operation as "a very professional, well-thought out heist," noting that a tow truck appeared to be staged for the pickup, reinforcing their belief in the premeditated nature of the scam.
Chad Marta reflected on the emotional toll of the incident, stating, “You think you’re doing the right thing for someone and it ends up being a fraud.” The couple's unease has grown as they consider the implications of being watched by the perpetrators.
Conclusion
The Newport Beach Moke incident underscores the vulnerabilities small businesses face from sophisticated scams, particularly those involving high-profile celebrities. As the investigation continues, the fate of the stolen vehicles remains uncertain, leaving the Marta family grappling with the financial and emotional aftermath of the alleged scam.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You think you're doing the right thing for someone and it ends up being a fraud.” — Chad Marta, Co-owner, Newport Beach Moke
- “I just feel so violated. I'm wondering if it's a car ring. I don't know how long they've been watching us.” — Sadie Marta, Co-owner, Newport Beach Moke
- “It's a very professional, well-thought out heist.” — Sadie Marta, Co-owner, Newport Beach Moke
What's Next
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department continues its investigation into the theft, with no confirmed connections to Justin Bieber or organized crime groups at this time.
