BRUNSWICK, GA – Two men are facing serious time after admitting their roles in a sophisticated ATM skimming operation that plagued Georgia banks. Julio Lopez Da Silva, 38, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, while Anderson Santos, 41, admitted guilt on one count of aggravated identity theft in U.S. District Court. The pair were busted after a December 3, 2017, arrest in Savannah, revealing a network built on stolen customer data.
The scheme involved planting card-reading devices on ATMs to pilfer customer information. This data was then used to create counterfeit cards, allowing the thieves to withdraw substantial amounts of cash. A search of the Port Wentworth hotel where Da Silva and Santos were staying uncovered skimming equipment and a staggering $20,000 in cold, hard cash. Da Silva is now looking at up to 30 years behind bars, while Santos faces a mandatory two-year sentence – no parole in the federal system.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Federal investigators have been cracking down on similar schemes in the coastal region, frequently uncovering operations run by foreign nationals. Just last month, Adrian Burloiu, 39, a Romanian national, pled guilty to possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices, a charge that carries a potential 10-year sentence. The pattern is clear: organized criminals are targeting vulnerable ATMs and gas pumps, and they’re often coming from overseas.
Earlier this year, three Cuban nationals received prison sentences for their involvement in a similar skimming operation targeting gas stations. Yosvel Licor Nunez, 36, was sentenced to 20 months; Yampiel Granja Sotolongo, 35, received 28 months; and Yoisel Pego Mirabal, 32, will spend 27 months in federal prison. These convictions demonstrate a relentless pursuit of these criminals by federal and local law enforcement.
The investigation, led by the U.S. Secret Service in conjunction with the Rincon, Savannah, Port Wentworth, and Richmond Hill Police Departments, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office, highlights the importance of interagency cooperation. U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “These cases demonstrate the success of cooperative investigations… Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working together will find these criminals, no matter their national origin, and we will send them to prison.”
According to Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Glen Kessler, combating these computer-related crimes targeting the U.S. financial infrastructure remains a top priority. The Secret Service is actively working with financial institutions and retail partners to adapt investigative methodologies and bolster prevention efforts. Retailers and financial institutions seeking information on ATM and gas pump skimming are encouraged to contact their local Secret Service Field Office. Anyone with questions can reach Barry Paschal at the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Related Federal Cases
- DoorDash Inc, Skimming Dasher Tips, New York, 2023 · Georgia
- Vivek Ramaswamy Rejects VP Offer, Focusing on Presidential Ambition… · Georgia
- Teamsters Union Avoids Strike with UPS, Labor Agreement, United Sta… · Georgia
- Eijroghene Okuma, $10M Investment Fraud, Atlanta GA, 2023 · Georgia
- Daniqua Clark, Mail Stream Theft and COVID-19 Relief Fraud, Atlanta… · Georgia
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
