DALLAS, TX — A major financial crime operation was dismantled in Dallas after Texas law enforcement officers uncovered a credit card skimmer factory suspected to be tied to an international criminal network.
The investigation began on July 17, when a merchant reported discovering a credit card skimming device. By the next day, the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) had gathered enough evidence to execute a search warrant on a Dallas residence.
Inside, officers discovered a large-scale fraud operation, seizing:
115 credit card skimmers
More than $50,000 in cash
25 fraudulent identification cards
Over 300 re-encoded payment cards with stolen account numbers
Authorities believe the skimming devices were used on ATMs nationwide. FCIC analysts estimate that seizing the equipment prevented $23 million in potential fraud losses.
Three Romanian nationals were arrested in the raid:
Victor Marian Tecu
Triussa Gabrielle (also known as Ionut Firan Alexandrau)
Gheorge Ciprian Hilitanu
They face multiple charges including:
Engaging in organized criminal activity
Fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information
Unlawful interception of electronic communications
Tampering with a government document
The FCIC continues to investigate the suspects’ links to broader international fraud networks.
