Miami, Florida — Miami police have arrested a former software engineer accused of siphoning nearly $1 million from two South Florida companies by allegedly rerouting customer payments into accounts he controlled, according to investigators.
The Miami Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit said Mark Alex Natera, 37, was taken into custody Tuesday following a months-long investigation involving REEF Technology LLC and its parent company, Vessel Operating HoldCo LLC. Authorities say Natera previously worked for REEF as a senior software engineer and had elevated access to internal payment systems.
According to an arrest report, investigators believe that between November 12, 2023, and October 16, 2024, Natera altered banking information connected to the companies’ payment platform. Those changes allegedly redirected customer payments intended for the businesses into Natera’s personal bank accounts and associated debit or credit cards.
Police estimate the combined financial losses at approximately $914,000. Detectives reviewed records from multiple financial institutions, which they say confirmed the diverted funds and linked the modified account credentials directly to Natera. Investigators also concluded the activity occurred repeatedly over an extended period, rather than as a single transaction.
The case reportedly came to light after company executives identified irregularities in payment flows and alerted authorities. Miami police later secured an arrest warrant, and Natera was apprehended by the department’s Felony Apprehension Team.
Court records show Natera faces multiple felony charges, including organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, unauthorized computer access, and fraudulent use of personal identification information. His bond was set at $120,000, and a Nebbia hearing was ordered to determine the source of bail funds.
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