Pedro Emilio Duran, Gas Pump Skimming, Virginia 2018

NORFOLK, Va. - In a shocking case of brazen theft, six Cuban nationals have been charged with a gas pump skimming scheme that targeted unsuspecting motorists in the Eastern District of Virginia.

According to the indictment, the defendants, Pedro Emilio Duran, 40, of Miami, Florida; Yariel Monsibaez Ruiz, 28, of Hialeah, Florida; Ariel Mora Quijada, 25, of Miami, Florida; Guillermo Bello Fuentes, 33, of Miami, Florida; Jorge Bello Fuentes, 30, of Homestead, Florida; and Luis Miguel Fernandez Cardente, 28, of Coral Gables, Florida, placed skimming devices on gas pumps, allowing them to record credit and debit card numbers, along with their PINs.

Using the stolen information, the defendants traveled to Harris Teeter store locations and other destinations to withdraw money from the victims' bank accounts and purchase prepaid debit cards. The scheme, which took place in April and May 2018, is believed to have netted the defendants a significant amount of money.

The indictment charges each defendant with bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi.

The Northampton County Sheriff's Office has provided significant and ongoing assistance with the investigation.

The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being vigilant when using credit or debit cards at gas pumps. Motorists are advised to regularly check their accounts for any suspicious activity and to report any discrepancies to their bank immediately.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/six-cuban-nationals-indicted-gas-pump-skimming-scheme