Web Desk
HOUSTON – A joint operation by multiple law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of five individuals linked to a Romanian organized crime syndicate involved in a sophisticated fraud scheme across the United States.
According to the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, authorities arrested Elizabeta Stefan and Madalin Trifu on charges of Forgery with Intent to Defraud. Additionally, three other suspects, Vasile Trifu, Ion Trifu, and Catalin Trifu, were also taken into custody.
Vasile Trifu faces charges connected to ATM skimming, while Homeland Security Investigations detained Ion and Catalin Trifu.
Investigators revealed that the group engaged in various criminal activities, including vehicle theft, ATM skimming, large-scale retail theft, and the production of fake documents.
They are also suspected of committing identity fraud and financial exploitation schemes.
During a search of a residence in Houston on Tuesday, law enforcement officers discovered numerous counterfeit passports and identification cards intended for fraudulent use.
Court documents indicate that both Stefan and Madalin Trifu had acquired fake Romanian passports.
Additionally, Madalin Trifu was previously arrested in February for possessing a counterfeit Washington state driver’s license.
Houston police received a tip that a package containing fake passports was being delivered to the residence.
Officers assisted in executing the search warrant, leading to the arrests.
“Financial crimes continue to evolve, posing a significant threat to individuals and businesses. Fraudsters utilize forged documents, payment card skimming, and deceptive tactics to exploit victims and bypass security protocols.
This highlights the need for strong interagency collaboration to detect, investigate, and dismantle such operations,” the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center stated.
