U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Orange County, alongside the Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force and other law enforcement agencies, conducted operations from March 1-2 targeting Romanian organized theft rings and criminals involved in unauthorized ATM transactions using counterfeit or cloned EBT cards. The operations led to the arrest of 15 individuals for federal law violations related to access device fraud. Additionally, two state arrests were made for EBT fraud involvement. Authorities seized approximately 42 counterfeit/cloned EBT cards and bulk U.S. currency during the operation. The cases have been presented to both the United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California and local District Attorney’s Offices for prosecution.
“This type of fraud that is occurring in our communities cannot be combatted alone,” stated ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Our El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force and HSI Orange County’s collaboration with our federal, state and local partners is paramount to effectively stopping ATM and EBT fraud.”
The operation included partnerships with several agencies such as the Diplomatic Security Service, Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General, various district attorney offices, California Department of Social Services, multiple police departments across Orange County, and the California Highway Patrol…