Texas Tire Shop Owner Accused in FBI Extortion Case

Authorities say Victor Daniel 'Danny' Almaguer lured victims to his Corpus Christi shop, where they were beaten and forced to withdraw cash.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:04am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car tire valve stem against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the stark, gritty nature of the FBI's investigation into this extortion scheme.A harsh flash-lit close-up of a car tire valve stem evokes the gritty, investigative nature of this extortion case.San Antonio Today

The FBI is investigating a Corpus Christi tire shop owner, Victor Daniel 'Danny' Almaguer, and his employees for allegedly luring victims to his shop, Danny's Tire Service, where they were beaten, robbed, and had their identities stolen. At least one victim was held against his will for hours and forced to withdraw thousands of dollars from local banks. Almaguer and one of his employees, Robert Luis Saldaña, have been arrested, while a third suspect remains at large.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of violent extortion schemes targeting vulnerable individuals, often through the promise of employment. The FBI believes there may be more victims in the San Antonio, Houston, Corpus Christi, and Rio Grande Valley areas, and is urging anyone who may have been targeted to come forward.

The details

According to court documents, the victim, identified as 'C.O.B.', responded to a Facebook Marketplace message offering $750 to transport tires from Danny's Tire Shop. When he arrived, he was taken into an office, interrogated by Almaguer, and then beaten by several workers. The men allegedly forced the victim to give up his personal information, which they used to open nearly $6,000 in credit and make purchases, including a $10,000 gold necklace. The victim was held for about four hours before being allowed to leave.

  • On March 14, 2025, the victim responded to the Facebook Marketplace message.
  • On September 29, 2025, Almaguer and Saldaña were arrested by federal agents.
  • On January 28, 2026, Saldaña pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

The players

Victor Daniel 'Danny' Almaguer

The owner of Danny's Tire Service in Corpus Christi, Texas, who has been charged with kidnapping, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

Robert Luis Saldaña

An employee of Danny's Tire Service who was arrested along with Almaguer and has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Adame

A third suspect who remains at large and allegedly used the victim's credit card to purchase a $10,000 gold necklace, claiming ties to the Gulf Cartel.

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What’s next

The FBI is encouraging anyone who may have also been a victim of Almaguer's extortion scheme to come forward by calling their tip line or filling out an online form.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of violent extortion schemes targeting vulnerable individuals, often through the promise of employment. The FBI is urging potential victims to come forward to help build their case against Almaguer and his associates.