An individual identified as Fabritio Sardaru, a 22-year-old citizen of Romania and Ireland residing illegally in the United States, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin. The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and Howard County Police Department (HCPD).
According to court documents, Sardaru took part in a scheme that targeted recipients of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards across several states, including Maryland, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, and New York. The group used skimming devices to collect EBT card information from victims at various commercial establishments.
Members of the conspiracy were responsible for acquiring and distributing skimming equipment as well as installing or removing it at point-of-sale terminals. They also monitored these locations and used the stolen data to create duplicate EBT cards containing personal identifying information from multiple victims. These cloned cards were then used to purchase large quantities of goods.
On July 21, 2022, Sardaru obtained $8,770.03 using cloned EBT cards and purchased 11 cans of baby formula at grocery stores in Howard and Montgomery Counties. Later that day, police stopped a vehicle driven by Sardaru and discovered approximately 353 cans of baby formula inside.
The fraudulent activities resulted in at least 15 victims temporarily losing access to their SNAP benefits until their funds were replenished the following month. The total financial loss attributed to this conspiracy within Maryland is estimated at $343,756.
U.S. Attorney Hayes stated: “U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USDA-OIG, MCPD, and HCPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Inspector General, for their valuable assistance.” Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Higgins for prosecuting the case.
Further details about reporting fraud or learning more about the priorities of the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found on its official website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
