Prosecutors in California are warning about a new scam involving debit card skimming, where devices are placed on self-checkout machines in grocery stores by the Romanian mafia. This highly organized network of criminals is using Bluetooth technology connected to the skimmers inside the stores to steal personal information while also engaging in panhandling scams outside stores. The suspects can place a skimmer over a credit card swipe in just seconds, making it difficult for consumers to detect the fake devices. Authorities have already arrested dozens of suspects with ties to organized crime in Romania, and despite large busts, the thefts are increasing as criminals target EBT card users and drain accounts the moment monthly payments are released.
The Orange County District Attorney’s office announced a major crackdown on these crimes, which have resulted in over $100 million in theft from taxpayer-funded welfare programs and recipients. Victims include single mothers, hardworking individuals, and those in need of assistance who find themselves with empty accounts due to the thieves. The criminals are using the stolen money to fund organized crime and lead luxurious lifestyles, while taking advantage of porous borders and lax bail policies to escape justice if arrested. Thousands of criminals with ties to organized Romanian crime have been identified in the US, with many entering illegally through the southern border or as asylum seekers.
A group of Southern California counties has seen a significant amount of activity from the Romanian mob, with criminals sending stolen money back to Romania to fund luxuries and engaging in illegal activities such as trading food stamps for baby formula and energy drinks in alliance with local cartels in Mexico. Some suspects have been caught flaunting their ill-gotten gains on social media platforms like TikTok. Law enforcement agencies have made arrests and partnerships with Romanian police to crack down on these criminal activities, resulting in dozens of arrests, recoveries of stolen funds, and the seizure of luxury vehicles. The mobsters have been linked to thefts in tourist hot spots popular with Americans, such as Tulum and Cancun in Mexico.
One of the individuals implicated in the scam, Florin Duduianu, was convicted in January after being caught using cloned debit cards at ATMs in California. He faces a lengthy prison sentence for his involvement in the scheme. The FBI has worked with Romanian police to target criminals involved in skimming thefts, resulting in arrests, recoveries of stolen funds, and the disruption of criminal networks. The leader of the gang, Florian Tudor, is awaiting trial on fraud charges in Mexico and is wanted for attempted murder in Romania. Despite these efforts, authorities continue to face challenges in combating organized crime and stopping the flow of illicit funds through international networks.
