LOS ANGELES, California — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force conducted operations from March 1-2 targeting Romanian organized theft rings in Orange County. The operation led to the arrest of 15 individuals for federal law violations involving counterfeit/cloned EBT cards.
During the operation, ICE and local police seized approximately 42 counterfeit/cloned EBT cards and bulk U.S. currency, according to a press release. The cases have been presented to the United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California and the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
“This type of fraud that is occurring in our communities cannot be combatted alone,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. The operation also resulted in two state arrests related to EBT fraud…