A former senior executive at Norwegian Cruise Line has been arrested following an international investigation into an alleged fraud scheme that cost the company more than $2 million.
Thomas Markell, who previously served as Senior Director of Events for the Miami-based cruise line, was detained in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after being located through international law enforcement cooperation, local media reports. His arrest followed a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court, and he is currently awaiting extradition proceedings to face criminal charges in the United States.
According to investigators, Markell held a position that gave him authority to approve vendors and authorize payments for corporate event services. Prosecutors allege that between June 2021 and September 2023, he used this access to approve fraudulent invoices submitted by vendors connected to the scheme. The payments were reportedly disguised as legitimate business expenses, allowing funds to be diverted without immediate detection.
Authorities estimate Norwegian Cruise Line suffered losses exceeding $2 million during the two-year period. Some of the fraudulent transactions included individual payments as high as $165,921, along with multiple additional transfers routed through intermediaries and third-party accounts.
Investigators also allege that Markell used various concealment methods to hide his involvement and the flow of funds. He is accused of creating a fictitious production services company to generate fraudulent invoices and make the payments appear legitimate. In addition, authorities claim that funds were routed through third parties, including accounts linked to his girlfriend. One transaction cited in the investigation involved an $82,000 transfer sent directly to her account.
Markell now faces multiple federal charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Court documents indicate the case includes at least seven counts of wire fraud, along with identity-related charges that could carry additional penalties if he is convicted.
The case escalated into an international search after Markell allegedly left the United States while under investigation. Interpol assisted authorities in locating and arresting him in Argentina. He remains in custody as legal proceedings continue and extradition arrangements are considered.
