NORFOLK, VA – Seven men are facing federal racketeering and money laundering charges after authorities cracked down on a sophisticated, nationwide gas pump skimming operation. The indictment, unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges the crew systematically compromised gas pumps to steal credit and debit card information from unsuspecting customers.
The scheme, allegedly led by Eduardo Rodriguez, also known as Ogbe Bara, 40, of Fort Myers, Florida, spanned from 2014 to April 2024. According to court documents, Rodriguez and his associates installed undetectable skimming devices inside gas pumps across the United States. These devices captured sensitive card data, which was then used to create fraudulent credit and debit cards for illicit purchases. The haul included gift cards, electronics, ATM withdrawals, and cashback schemes at retail stores.
Authorities say the organization didn’t just skim and spend. They employed “fences” – individuals who knowingly handled and sold the stolen goods for cash, further obscuring the source of the funds. The indictment details charges of access device fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, interstate transportation of stolen goods, and the sale and receipt of stolen property – painting a picture of a meticulously planned and executed criminal enterprise.
Alongside Rodriguez, the following individuals have been indicted: Idalberto Rivero, also known as El Monstro, El Mostro, and Monster, 53, of Miami; Anyelo Jesus Muino Ayala, also known as Justin Bieber, 26, of Miami; Pedro Raul Zequeira Alvarez, also known as Yery Yery, 33, of Miami; Raul Ferrao Pons, also known as Rauli and Ninja, 32, of Miami; Jorge Enrique Fonseca Vazquez, also known as Ogberoso, 32, of Miami; and Luis Gustavo Diaz, also known as Ogberdi, 39, of Miami. All are facing identical charges.
Each defendant is charged with one count of RICO conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count – a substantial sentence for a scheme that preyed on everyday Americans fueling up their vehicles. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI’s Norfolk, Miami, Tampa, New York, and Albany Field Offices, as well as the Ft. Myers Resident Agency, U.S. Secret Service, Virginia State Police, and multiple local law enforcement agencies.
U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, and Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan of the FBI Norfolk Field Office jointly announced the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen S. Taylor and Clayton D. LaForge, along with Trial Attorney Ben Tonkin, are prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Case No. 2:24-cr-28 is available for review on PACER and the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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