Romanian and Irish National Sentenced to Two Years for SNAP Benefits Fraud Conspiracy Using Skimming Devices

A Romanian and Irish citizen has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy that defrauded the United States and numerous recipients of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The scheme, which spanned multiple states including Maryland, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, and New York, involved the use of skimming devices to illegally obtain Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) information from victims.

According to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Fabritio Sardaru, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin. Sardaru pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and the Howard County Police Department (HCPD).

The conspiracy operated by obtaining EBT card information through skimming devices and other methods. Co-conspirators played various roles, including acquiring, shipping, and installing skimming equipment at point-of-sale terminals in commercial establishments. They also monitored the compromised terminals and created duplicate EBT cards using the stolen personal identification information of victims. These cloned cards were then used to make fraudulent purchases of high-value items, such as large quantities of baby formula.

In one instance on July 21, 2022, Sardaru and an accomplice utilized cloned EBT cards to purchase $8,770.03 worth of goods, specifically 11 cans of baby formula, from grocery stores in Howard and Montgomery Counties. Later the same day, a traffic stop conducted by MCPD officers led to the discovery of approximately 353 cans of baby formula in a vehicle driven by Sardaru.

The impact of this fraud extended to at least 15 identified victims who were unable to access food until their benefits were replenished in the following month. The total financial loss attributed to the conspiracy within Maryland alone is estimated to be approximately $343,756. This case highlights the vulnerabilities in electronic benefit systems and the significant harm caused to individuals relying on these programs for essential needs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized resources available for reporting fraud, directing individuals to justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

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