OHIO — Five men have been charged in connection with an alleged conspiracy to steal nearly $1 million in food assistance benefits from low-income individuals in Ohio and California, according to federal authorities.
The U.S. Department of Justice said a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Constantin Eugen Ion, 44; Valentin Velicu, 50; Dragos Georghie Vasile, 46; Marian Alexandru Semplican, 23; and Ionut Ilie, 44. Investigators said the men are all citizens of Romania and used multiple aliases.
Prosecutors allege the group targeted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides benefits to help eligible individuals and families purchase food. In Ohio, those benefits are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
According to court documents, the defendants used “point-of-sale skimming” devices that were installed on legitimate card readers at retail locations. The devices were designed to capture card data and personal information from EBT users without their knowledge.
Authorities said the skimmers were placed at several locations in Ohio, including 7-Eleven stores in Toledo and Maple Heights, Broadway Food Center in Toledo, and a UPS Store in Mentor. Investigators also found devices at multiple gas stations in Cleveland and Toledo, though specific locations were not identified.
The DOJ said the stolen information was used to check account balances and drain funds, which were then transferred onto blank cards and resold.
During a search of one suspect’s residence in North Hills, California, agents reportedly discovered a workshop used to manufacture the skimming devices. Items recovered included EBT machine faceplates, keypads, wiring, schematics, tools, data extraction components, and several fake identification cards.
In total, authorities said more than $961,000 was stolen or attempted to be stolen through the scheme.
The men face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, access device fraud, identity theft, and the sale or receipt of stolen government funds. One suspect remains at large.
If convicted, sentencing will be determined by a federal court based on factors including each defendant’s criminal history and role in the alleged offenses.
