Federal Indictment Related to Credit Card Skimmer Found in Newark in 2016

In September, 2016, a credit card skimming device was found on a gas pump located at an Exxon station at 820 South College Avenue in Newark.  The skimming device allowed the suspects to receive the card number and pin number of anyone who used the pump to make a purchase.  Newark Police Detectives began to investigate the source of the skimmer as that specific skimmer allowed the suspects to take thousands of dollars from victim’s bank accounts.  Detectives followed-up and found that the stolen card numbers had been used to withdraw funds at locations in both Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Further investigation revealed that two of the suspects were seen repeatedly using clones of compromised cards.  As the suspects were involved in crimes in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, federal agents with the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation became involved and assumed the investigation.  Newark Detectives continued to assist in the investigation as the uncovering of the skimmer was the impetus to the discovery of this identity theft conspiracy.

On June 27, 2019, the suspects in this incident were indicted in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for their involvement in this identity theft conspiracy.  The suspects face varying possible prison sentences of up to 187 years and more than $7,000,000 in fines.

The United States Department of Justice press release announcing the indictment can be found here.