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17 People Indicted for Conspiring to Steal Over $2.4 Million in SNAP Benefits
A coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement operation was conducted Tuesday to dismantle the interstate fraud organization that used skimming devices and stolen Electric Benefits Transfer (EBT) accounts to purchase SNAP-eligible products for resale on the black market. “This group targeted a program that ensures access to healthy and affordable groceries for low-income and food insecure individuals and families,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The following individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, for their roles in the fraud organization:
- Ramirez Dumitru, 25
- Giovanni Spirea, 28
- Santa-Madalina Costache, 25
- Florin Mareata, 25
- Anita Vaduva, 36
- Ion Paul Miclescu, 19
- Nicolas Barbosu, 25
- Alberto Tomescu, 27
- Oana Aura Cristina Caldararu, 23
- Roberta Elena Sardaru, 27
- Salvis Foro Dunca, 26
- Ana Patricia Escalante, 57
- Jessica Gonzalez, 27
- Edwin Lionel Santizo-Ralon, 54
- Cristina Yesenia Escalante, 33
- Edgar Basilio Hernandez, 33
- Marta Hernandez de Estrada, 53
According to court documents, from August 2023 to October 2024, Ramirez Dumitru and his co-conspirators are alleged to have possessed skimming devices and stolen EBT accounts to illegally purchase items with stolen SNAP benefits. Dumitru shared information with other members of the organization who, along with him, used the stolen EBT accounts to purchase large quantities of infant formula, energy drinks, and other SNAP-eligible nonperishable food items from grocery stores in Oregon, Washington, and California, and through websites associated with grocery stores.
“This kind of fraud cheats a system that is designed to help families and children who need assistance the most,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Every dollar stolen is a dollar that could have fed a child in need. I’m appreciative of our partnerships with federal and local law enforcement, as it is through investigations like this that we will be able to protect resources for those that rely on them, while making sure those who commit these abuses are held accountable.”
The defendants are charged with conspiring to defraud the United States in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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