CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A Romanian theft ring tied to the Charlotte area was dismantled in connection with a multi-state SNAP fraud scheme.
Records show brothers Marian Ovidiu Dumitru and Catalin Dumitru — whom agents said were in the U.S. illegally — pleaded guilty in federal court in Charlotte in connection with a multi-state SNAP fraud scheme.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the duo was part of an identity-theft ring that stole more than $760,000 in SNAP benefits across several states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Romanian theft ring tied to Charlotte area dismantled after year-long investigation(Courtesy: North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation)July 2025: Investigation launched
On July 28, 2025, agents with the State Bureau of Investigation were asked to assist with a fraud scheme involving stolen EBT accounts used to make purchases at multiple Sam’s Club stores.
According to the Homeland Security Charlotte task force, the transactions resulted in $1,160,324 in total losses.
August 2025: More purchases reported
On Aug. 1, 2025, officials said another $15,000 in fraudulent purchases was made at a Sam’s Club in Matthews and at stores in Pineville and Gastonia.
Officials said surveillance footage captured the suspects, who were then followed to a storage unit in Charlotte, where they were arrested. Investigators said they recovered goods valued at $27,000 to $30,000.
Investigators said they recovered goods valued at $27,000 to $30,000.(Courtesy: North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation)
Agents said a search warrant at one suspect’s home uncovered evidence of fraudulent money-card production, and investigators expected additional federal charges and suspects.
July 2026: Brothers plead guilty
On July 2, 2026, the Dumitru brothers pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and agents said a sentencing date has not yet been set.
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The State Bureau of Investigation said multiple agencies participated in the operation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
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