Seven Florida men nabbed for national gas pump skimming fraud

Seven members of a gas pump skimming device organization have been charged with racketeer-influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy and money laundering.

The organization was led by Eduardo Rodriguez, also known as Ogbe Bara, 40, of Fort Myers, Florida. During their time in operation, the men “installed skimming devices on gas pumps throughout the United States to fraudulently collect credit and debit card information from customers,” court documents state.

Skimming devices are often placed on ATMs, gas pumps, and other point-of-sale terminals to siphon credit and debit card information and PINs.

The defendants allegedly used this stolen credit сard data to create fake credit and debit cards.

They used these false credit and debit cards to buy gift cards and electronics while also using them to make ATM withdrawals and cashback purchases from stores.

“Members and associates of the organization also used “fences” to sell the illegally obtained items for cash.”

A fence is an individual who buys stolen goods to later resell for profit. They're also known as receivers, movers, or moving men.

The gang also allegedly engaged in device fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, interstate transportation of stolen goods, and the sale and receipt of stolen goods.

“The defendants are charged with one count of RICO conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count,” the Office of Public Affairs said.