Following two distinct investigations by FCSO investigators, deputies from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested Mikhail Vasilev, 43, of Palm Coast, on two warrants for credit card fraud on Friday. After obtaining consumer credit cards to buy building supplies for renovations on residential properties, Vasilev utilized the cards for illicit, private transactions. Vasilev is a Russian national who lacks the necessary documents to enter the US.
In June 2025, when the victims discovered illicit transactions on their credit card accounts, detectives started looking into Vasilev. In January 2025, Vasilev allegedly paid $470 for prescription drugs at a nearby drugstore, according to one victim. Detectives discovered during the inquiry that Vasilev completed the purchase using the tap feature, also referred to as contactless payment. To utilize this capability, Vasilev did not need to insert a pin or provide identification. To get his prescribed drugs, he did, however, give the pharmacist his identification.
After a Home Depot salesperson obtained his credit card information over the phone and saved it on Vasilev’s business Home Depot account, a second victim also reported fraudulent activity on his credit cards. The victim informed deputies that although he had voluntarily given Vasilev one of his cards at first in order to purchase supplies, he had repeatedly asked for both cards returned, but Vasilev had never done so.
The second victim claims that between April 2024 and December 2024, Vasilev made more than $22,000 in fraudulent purchases. These purchases included several transactions at O Reilly’s Auto Parts, Kennedy Space Center, and National eBike Store; payments to the St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office for Vasilev to reinstate his driver’s license; and a utility bill payment. In one transaction, Vasilev purchased more over $4,000 worth of supplies at Home Depot and had them delivered to a Palm Coast home he was remodeling that was unrelated to the victim.
Detectives used investigative techniques to tie Vasilev to fraudulent transactions related to the second case totaling $10,307.65. Vasilev, who has no known criminal background, apologized and promised to reimburse the money when he could when questioned by authorities.
After discovering the transactions, both victims cancelled their credit cards.
After these cases are resolved, ICE will take custody of Vasilev and begin the deportation process. The Department of Homeland Security has put a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer on Vasilev.
Our dedication to shielding our citizens from individuals who enter the country illegally and commit crimes is exemplified by this arrest. Sheriff Rick Staly stated, “We will keep working with our local and federal partners to make sure those who target our residents are held accountable.” You can anticipate a brief stay at the Green Roof Inn prior to deportation if you enter the country illegally and commit crimes in Flagler County.
Vasilev was taken into custody on two counts of credit card fraud, petit theft, and grand theft ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. After being taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, he is being held under an ICE Detainer and a $45,000 bond.
Additionally, Sheriff Staly encourages locals to always hire labor who are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Residents can check licenses with the Better Business Bureau or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at www2.myfloridalicense.com/online-services/. Residents of Palm Coast can also reach the City of Palm Coast online at palmcoast.gov or by phone at 386-986-2360.
