Two Romanian brothers illegally in the United States appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to orchestrating a fraud scheme involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits affecting victims across multiple states, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s effort to combat fraud through the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
Key details of the case
Marian Ovidiu Dumitru, 37. Catalin Dumitru, 39, both Romanian citizens residing unlawfully in various places throughout the United States, each pleaded guilty to wire fraud. . “The Fraud Division will not tolerate anyone who steals from public benefits programs designed to support Americans in need,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M.
Moreover, mcDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “If you attempt to defraud these programs, we will come after you with the full force of federal law. We are committed to safeguarding America’s tax dollars and the programs they are meant to support.”.
Meanwhile, “These individuals came to the United States illegally and preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens—those receiving SNAP benefits,” said U.S. “They stole benefits from those who actually need them and then resold products bought with those benefits for their own profit. We will use the full force of the federal government to hold accountable those who exploit taxpayer funded programs and victimize citizens on government assistance.”.
Enforcement actions and official statements
In addition, according to court records, between July 2024 and August 2025, the defendants were members of an identity theft ring that defrauded the SNAP programs in New Jersey, Massachusetts. Other states of more than $760,000. The defendants and their co-conspirators used skimming devices at ATMs, fuel pumps. For complete details, refer to the official DOJ press release.
As a result, other locations, to steal the data from electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used to distribute SNAP benefits. The stolen information was then loaded onto counterfeit bank cards, gift cards. Other access devices which the defendants then used at large membership warehouse clubs to buy thousands of dollars’ worth of bulk items including coffee, candy, energy drinks, and baby formula.
Consequently, for example, the defendants used counterfeit cards loaded with stolen information from SNAP EBT cards issued in Massachusetts and New Jersey to purchase over $15,600 in coffee, candy and other items from a warehouse club in Gastonia, North Carolina. Over $19,000 from another warehouse club in Pineville, North Carolina. The defendants then transported, resold, or intended to resell the items purchased with counterfeit cards. For related coverage, see Iranian national charged for smuggling illegal aliens into united states — DOJ.
Notably, according to court records, the defendants’ scheme victimized more than 10 individuals, causing some substantial hardship. Court documents show that Catalin Dumitru and Marian Ovidiu Dumitru were also found to be in possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized bank cards with magnetic strips cloned with stolen SNAP EBT account information, as well as blank cards with magnetic strips. . The defendants pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
They each face a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. For related coverage, see United states seizes domain names publishing nude digital forgeries of famous women — DOJ.
Subsequently, a sentencing date has not been set. In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S.
At the same time, department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Their state and local partners for their work on the investigation. Special Assistant U.S.
In particular, attorney Eric Frick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kinlaw of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D.
