Latest news with #TexasFinancialCrimesIntelligenceCenter
CBS News
11-03-2025
- CBS News
North Texas law enforcement arrest 2 Romanian citizens in connection to credit card skimming operation
Two Romanians were arrested in North Texas in connection to a major credit card skimming operation, officials announced Tuesday. According to the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, at least $5.2 million in potential losses was prevented. When law enforcement conducted a search warrant at the suspects' residence, they found what they said was a fully operational credit card skimmer factory. The suspects allegedly constructed and assembled skimming devices designed to attach to ATMs. Law enforcement officers seized hundreds of altered credit cards that had stolen victim information, about $16,000 in cash as well as tools and equipment used to create the skimming devices. Petruta Camelia Ciuperca, 34, was booked into the Dallas County jail with bonds totaling $120,000. Alexandru Constantin, 34, was also booked into the Dallas County jail with bonds totaling $76,500. They are both also being held on an immigration charge. Officials said they are searching for a third suspect. "This case highlights the critical importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in combating financial crimes," said Special Agent Jerry Alvarez of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. "Our joint efforts have significantly disrupted an organization that posed a severe threat to individuals and businesses in Texas." The Irving Police Department, Grand Prairie Police Department, Garland Police Department, Euless Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted with the investigation.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
Romanian national gets life in prison for Smith County credit card skimming scheme
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – A Romanian national was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday after he was found guilty of engaging in organized criminal activity in Smith County. Fabrizio Slatineanu reportedly entered America illegally from Mexico and was caught taking part in a credit card skimming scheme where he stole over $280,000 from Smith County residents in a single weekend, according to the 114th District Court. Lufkin man gets more than 14 years in federal prison for drug trafficking During the sentencing hearing, multiple victims testified about how they had lost thousands of dollars from their savings accounts. 'Because of Mr. Slatineanu's actions, innocent victims were left unable to pay their rent or put food on their table, and that's inexcusable,' Jackson said. 'We heard testimony about how they couldn't do things with their kids because their money was suddenly gone.' During the hearing, Captain Jeff Roberts, a member of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, testified about how Romanian organized crime played an increased role in types of financial crimes similar to Slatineanu's case. Missing Tyler woman found near home Roberts also said he thinks open borders have helped to increase these kinds of crimes. 'Open borders have made this a transnational problem,' Roberts said. 'These criminals don't come here and work normal business hours. They have come here to steal your money.' During the sentencing, Judge Jackson revealed that Slatineanu had already been deported twice from the country. 'People are tired of scams, they are tired of thieves, and they are tired of people crossing our borders illegally and harming our hardworking friends and neighbors,' Jackson said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
