Federal agents arrested 15 people in Los Angeles accused of stealing millions of dollars from families using food stamps and cash assistance.
The arrests happened in June 2025. Authorities say the group was part of a skimming ring that targeted California’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system.
The thieves worked while people were asleep. They drained accounts before families even woke up.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) led the takedown. The agency worked with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the LAPD, and the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force.
All 15 suspects are foreign nationals linked to Romanian organized crime groups, according to federal officials.
They now face serious charges. These include Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft under federal law.
Agents seized over 300 cloned EBT cards, skimming devices, and about $30,000 in cash during the operation.
Here’s how the scam worked. Thieves installed small devices called “overlays” on grocery store card readers and ATMs. These devices secretly captured data from the magnetic stripe on people’s EBT cards.
Once they had the data, the ring made fake cards. They used blank hotel keys and gift cards to copy victims’ account information.
Then came the cash grab. Between midnight and 6:00 AM, right when benefits loaded onto accounts, runners hit ATMs across the city. They withdrew the money before anyone noticed.
“These criminals targeted the most vulnerable,” said an HSI official in a statement. “Families depend on those benefits to feed their children.”
Before the arrests, California was losing an estimated $100 million or more every year to EBT fraud.
But things have changed.
In January 2025, California rolled out chip-enabled EBT cards. The new technology makes the old magnetic stripe skimming trick nearly impossible.
Since November 2025, EBT theft has dropped 83% statewide, according to California officials.
That’s a major win for the thousands of families who rely on SNAP, CalWORKs, and other benefit programs.
Still, experts warn that scammers are always looking for new ways in. Recipients are urged to check their balances often and report any unusual activity immediately.
The 15 suspects arrested in Los Angeles remain in federal custody. Court dates have not been announced.
