Authorities in Amarillo have arrested two individuals accused of participating in a multi-state gift card fraud operation that spanned four states.
The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) identified the suspects as Brusli Javier Romero Bajarano and John Jairo Giraldo Cortes, both Colombian nationals currently facing immigration detainers. Officials say the pair has been charged with felony offenses under Section 32.56 of the Texas Penal Code, which covers the fraudulent use, possession, or tampering with gift cards and related data.
Both suspects are being held at the Potter County Jail, and the case will be handled by the Potter County District Attorney’s Office. Investigators say the scheme extended across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
According to authorities, the suspects entered Texas on March 17, 2026, and were quickly identified as being involved in fraudulent activity in Amarillo. A coordinated effort between the FCIC’s North Texas Field Office and local law enforcement enabled Amarillo police to locate and arrest the suspects within an hour of receiving intelligence.
Officials also confirmed that the suspects had tampered with gift cards at three different locations in Amarillo prior to their arrest.
