Los Angeles resident Haykaz Mansuryan will spend the next 41 months in federal prison after admitting to a brazen scheme that saw over $1 million stolen from drivers across Southern California. Mansuryan and his crew rigged gas pumps with electronic “skimmers,” devices designed to steal credit and debit card data as victims fueled up.
The feds say Mansuryan wasn’t just a grunt; he was actively breaking into gas stations, installing the skimmers, and then working with accomplices to exploit the stolen information. Once the data was captured, the crew either manufactured fraudulent cards or sold the raw financial details on the black market, turning a quick profit off the misery of others.
This wasn’t a smash-and-grab operation. The scheme ran from August 2018 to October 2021 – a sustained three-year period of theft. Federal prosecutors revealed Mansuryan personally pocketed $931,213.92 from the scam, and the total losses to victims topped $1 million. The sophistication of the operation points to a well-organized criminal network, and the feds are still piecing together the full scope.
Law enforcement recovered 54 of these skimming devices from compromised gas stations, a significant haul that underscores the scale of the operation. These weren’t simple devices either; they were custom-built by other members of the criminal enterprise, according to court documents. The recovery of the skimmers is crucial for ongoing investigations and identifying other potential victims.
Mansuryan isn’t the only one facing consequences. Robert Fichidzhyan, the man responsible for building the skimmers, already received a 41-month sentence and was ordered to pay $619,923.45 in restitution. Margar Simonyan got 12 months and a day, plus forfeiture and restitution. One suspect remains on the run, and two others are awaiting trial, signaling the feds are determined to dismantle the entire operation.
As part of his sentence, Mansuryan is required to forfeit the $931,213.92 he made from the scheme and contribute to a restitution fund totaling $923,374.14. While money won’t fully compensate the victims, it’s a step towards accountability. Federal prosecutors are hoping this case sends a clear message: exploiting unsuspecting citizens won’t be tolerated, and those who profit from identity theft will face serious prison time.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. This isn’t just about stolen money; it’s about the erosion of trust in everyday transactions. When you can’t even safely pump gas without fear of your financial information being compromised, something is deeply wrong.
Victims of this scheme, or anyone suspecting they may have been affected, are encouraged to contact the FBI or their local law enforcement agency. Protecting yourself means being vigilant and regularly monitoring your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized activity.
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