Romanian theft ring linked to Charlotte area dismantled in multi-state SNAP fraud scheme

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A Romanian theft ring tied to the Charlotte area was dismantled in connection with a multi-state SNAP fraud scheme.

Records show brothers Marian Ovidiu Dumitru and Catalin Dumitru — whom agents said were in the U.S. illegally — pleaded guilty in federal court in Charlotte in connection with a multi-state SNAP fraud scheme.

According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the duo was part of an identity-theft ring that stole more than $760,000 in SNAP benefits across several states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts.

July 2025: Investigation launched

On July 28, 2025, agents with the State Bureau of Investigation were asked to assist with a fraud scheme involving stolen EBT accounts used to make purchases at multiple Sam’s Club stores…

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