Romanian Brothers Plead Guilty to $760K SNAP Fraud in US
Two Romanian brothers living illegally in the US walked into federal court on July 2, 2026, and admitted to stealing over $760,000 in food assistance from some of the country's most vulnerable people. They used hidden skimming devices to clone EBT cards and then bought truckloads of goods to resell for profit. Now they each face up to 20 years in prison — and almost certain deportation.
Brothers Stole SNAP Benefits Across Multiple States
On July 2, 2026, two Romanian brothers — Marian Ovidiu Dumitru, 37, and Catalin Dumitru, 39 — pleaded guilty in federal court in North Carolina to wire fraud. Both men are Romanian citizens who were living in the United States without legal status. Prosecutors say they were part of an identity theft ring that stole more than $760,000 in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits — the federal food assistance program for low-income people — between July 2024 and August 2025.
The scheme worked like this: the brothers and their co-conspirators placed skimming devices at ATMs, gas pumps, and other locations to steal data from EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards — the cards used to distribute SNAP benefits. They then copied that stolen data onto fake bank cards and gift cards. They used those counterfeit cards at large warehouse stores to buy bulk goods like coffee, candy, energy drinks, and baby formula. Court records show they spent over $15,600 at one warehouse club in Gastonia, North Carolina, and over $19,000 at another in Pineville, North Carolina — all using stolen SNAP account information from victims in Massachusetts and New Jersey. They then resold those goods for cash.
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Investigators found both brothers in possession of 15 or more counterfeit cards loaded with stolen SNAP EBT account data, plus blank cards ready to be programmed. The scheme victimized more than 10 people, causing serious hardship for some. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of the Inspector General, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division.
What Happens Next
Each brother now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. A federal judge will decide the actual sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. As of July 2, 2026, no sentencing date has been set. Because both men are undocumented immigrants convicted of a federal felony, they will almost certainly face deportation (removal from the US) after serving any prison sentence.
What to do
- If you are an immigrant and have been contacted by law enforcement about fraud or identity theft, do not speak to investigators without a lawyer present. You have the right to remain silent.
- If you receive SNAP benefits and notice unauthorized charges or missing funds on your EBT card, report it immediately to your state's SNAP agency — you may be able to recover stolen benefits.
- If you are undocumented and facing criminal charges, lawyers recommend consulting both a criminal defense attorney and an immigration lawyer, because a guilty plea can trigger removal proceedings (the formal process to deport someone).
- Protect your EBT card like a bank card: check your balance regularly, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and report a lost or stolen card right away.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Appealing to the BIA”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
A federal wire fraud conviction is an aggravated felony under immigration law, which means it triggers mandatory removal proceedings with almost no discretionary relief available — even for someone with long US ties. If you are undocumented and under investigation, invoking your Fifth Amendment right to silence before any interview is critical, because statements made to federal agents can be used in both criminal and immigration court. Anyone in this situation should consult an immigration attorney immediately, before entering any plea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an undocumented immigrant be deported after a criminal conviction?
Yes. If an undocumented person is convicted of a federal crime — especially a felony like wire fraud — immigration authorities will typically begin removal proceedings (the formal legal process to deport someone) after the prison sentence is served. A federal felony is usually classified as an 'aggravated felony' under immigration law, which makes deportation nearly automatic.
What is wire fraud and why is it so serious?
Wire fraud means using electronic communication — like the internet, phone lines, or card payment networks — to carry out a scheme to steal money or property. It is a federal crime that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison per count. Federal prosecutors use it often in fraud cases because it covers a wide range of digital and electronic schemes.
What should I do if money was stolen from my EBT card?
Report it immediately to your state's SNAP agency or the number on the back of your EBT card. Many states have processes to replace stolen benefits, especially if the theft was caused by skimming. Act quickly — there may be deadlines for filing a claim.
Do I have rights if federal agents want to question me about a fraud investigation?
Yes. You have the right to remain silent and the right to have a lawyer present before answering any questions — regardless of your immigration status. Lawyers strongly recommend not speaking to federal investigators without an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in both criminal and immigration court.