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crime15h ago
Feds say crime ring hid skimmers at Cleveland-area businesses, targeting SNAP recipients
- Federal prosecutors say five Romanian nationals installed skimming devices at Ohio stores to steal SNAP benefits and cash.
- The group allegedly captured card numbers and PINs and used blank cards to withdraw money.
- The investigation involved multiple federal agencies and a cross-state operation from California to Ohio.
- The scheme included skimmers placed at 7-Eleven stores in Toledo and Toledo-area locations.
- Four of the five defendants have been arrested; one defendant had not yet been arrested at the time of the report.
- The U.S. GAO and USDA notes significant SNAP benefit theft and projected increases without upgrades.
- Propel estimates EBT losses could exceed $600 million in 2025 due to skimming and predatory tactics.
- The indictment identifies the defendants by names and aliases, including 'Piranha' for Constantin Eugen Ion.
- FBI and federal partners tracked the activity as part of a broader USDA-SNAP enforcement effort.
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