Dallas, Texas, January 23, 2026
Three men from Eastern Europe have been arrested for their involvement in a sophisticated gift card fraud scheme that defrauded retailers of around $14 million across Texas and Louisiana. The suspects targeted stores daily since May 2025, stealing unactivated gift cards, cloning their information, and returning them to the shelves. Their arrests highlight the need for consumer vigilance and the importance of new laws aimed at combating such fraud in Texas.
Illegal Immigrants Allegedly Ran Multi-Million-Dollar Gift Card Fraud Scheme Hitting Stores Daily Across Texas
Dallas, Texas – Three men from Eastern Europe have been arrested in connection with a sophisticated gift card fraud scheme that authorities estimate has defrauded retailers of approximately $14 million across Texas and Louisiana.
Details of the Scheme
The suspects, identified as Kristians Petrovskis, Romunds Cubrevics, and Nurmunds Ulevicus, were apprehended by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC). At the time of their arrest, authorities seized over 400 cloned gift cards from their possession. The trio is accused of operating daily, targeting around 10 stores each day since May 2025. Their method involved:
- Stealing Unactivated Gift Cards: Removing unactivated gift cards from store shelves without paying for them.
- Cloning Card Information: Opening the packaging to copy the electronic numbers from the back of the cards.
- Repackaging and Returning: Sealing the cards back into their original packaging and returning them to the store shelves.
Once customers purchased and activated these cards, the criminals would transfer the funds to other cards or store them electronically, enabling them to withdraw or spend the money without detection. This operation spanned multiple cities, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The suspects have been charged with first-degree fraudulent possession of gift cards. Two are being held in the Dallas County Jail, while one remains in Garland Jail. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities anticipating further prosecutions under a new Texas law targeting gift card tampering, effective September 1, 2025. This law aims to close previous legal loopholes and enhance the prosecution of such fraudulent activities.
Consumer Protection Measures
Authorities advise consumers to inspect gift card packaging carefully before purchase. Signs of tampering, such as excess glue or damage, should be reported to the retailer. If tampering is suspected, customers are encouraged to request a refund or exchange the card for an unaltered one.
Background Context
Gift card fraud has been a growing concern, with similar schemes reported in various regions. In this case, the involvement of individuals from Eastern Europe highlights the international scope of such fraudulent activities. The swift action by Texas authorities underscores the state’s commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting consumers.
Related Incidents
In a separate incident, a Missouri City man was sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity theft, resulting in over $1.5 million in losses. This case illustrates the broader issue of financial fraud affecting consumers and businesses alike.
Conclusion
The arrest of Petrovskis, Cubrevics, and Ulevicus serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in consumer transactions. Retailers and consumers alike must remain alert to prevent such fraudulent schemes from succeeding. The implementation of stricter laws and consumer education are vital steps in safeguarding against financial crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the fraudulent scheme involving gift cards?
Three men from Eastern Europe were arrested for a scheme where they stole unactivated gift cards from store shelves, cloned their information, and returned them to the shelves. When customers activated these cards, the criminals accessed the funds, defrauding retailers of approximately $14 million across Texas and Louisiana.
How did the suspects operate their scheme?
The suspects operated daily, targeting around 10 stores each day since May 2025. They would steal unactivated gift cards, clone the electronic numbers, repackage them, and return them to store shelves. Once customers purchased and activated these cards, the criminals transferred the funds to other cards or stored them electronically, enabling them to withdraw or spend the money without detection.
What charges have been filed against the suspects?
The suspects have been charged with first-degree fraudulent possession of gift cards. Two are being held in the Dallas County Jail, while one remains in Garland Jail. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities anticipating further prosecutions under a new Texas law targeting gift card tampering, effective September 1, 2025.
What measures can consumers take to protect themselves?
Consumers are advised to inspect gift card packaging carefully before purchase. Signs of tampering, such as excess glue or damage, should be reported to the retailer. If tampering is suspected, customers are encouraged to request a refund or exchange the card for an unaltered one.
What is the background of the suspects involved?
The suspects, Kristians Petrovskis, Romunds Cubrevics, and Nurmunds Ulevicus, are from Eastern Europe. Their involvement highlights the international scope of such fraudulent activities. The swift action by Texas authorities underscores the state’s commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting consumers.
Are there other similar incidents reported?
Yes, in a separate incident, a Missouri City man was sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity theft, resulting in over $1.5 million in losses. This case illustrates the broader issue of financial fraud affecting consumers and businesses alike.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Suspects | Kristians Petrovskis, Romunds Cubrevics, and Nurmunds Ulevicus |
| Fraudulent Scheme | Cloning unactivated gift cards, defrauding retailers of approximately $14 million across Texas and Louisiana |
| Method of Operation | Stealing unactivated gift cards, cloning information, repackaging, and returning to store shelves |
| Consumer Advisory | Inspect gift card packaging for signs of tampering before purchase |
| Legal Action | Charged with first-degree fraudulent possession of gift cards; investigation ongoing with potential for further prosecutions under new Texas law effective September 1, 2025 |
| Related Incident | Missouri City man sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity theft, resulting in over $1.5 million in losses |
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