Seven members and associates of large-scale gas pump skimming device organization charged with racketeering and money laundering conspiracies

NORFOLK, Va. - An indictment was unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia charging seven men with racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with their alleged participation in a large-scale gas pump skimming device organization.

According to court documents, the defendants, led by Eduardo Rodriguez, also known as Ogbe Bara, 40, of Fort Myers, Florida, allegedly installed skimming devices on gas pumps throughout the United States to fraudulently collect credit and debit card information from customers. From 2014 to April 2024, they allegedly used the stolen card data to create fraudulent credit and debit cards, which they used to purchase items including gift cards and electronics, to make ATM withdrawals, and to make cashback purchases from retail stores. Members and associates of the organization also used "fences" to sell the illegally obtained items for cash. The defendants also allegedly engaged in acts involving access device fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, interstate transportation of stolen goods, and the sale and receipt of stolen goods.

In addition to Eduardo Rodriguez, the following defendants have been charged in the indictment:

• Idalberto Rivero, also known as El Monstro, El Mostro, and Monster, 53, of Miami
• Anyelo Jesus Muino Ayala, also known as Justin Bieber, 26, of Miami
• Pedro Raul Zequeira Alvarez, also known as Yery Yery, 33, of Miami
• Raul Ferrao Pons, also known as Rauli and Ninja, 32, of Miami
• Jorge Enrique Fonseca Vazquez, also known as Ogberoso, 32, of Miami
• Luis Gustavo Diaz, also known as Ogberdi, 39, of Miami

The defendants are charged with one count of RICO conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan of the FBI Norfolk Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Norfolk, Miami, Tampa, New York, and Albany Field Offices and Ft. Myers Resident Agency; U.S. Secret Service; Virginia State Police; Northampton County (Virginia) Sheriff's Office; Norfolk Police Department; and Mooresville (North Carolina) Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen S. Taylor and Clayton D. LaForge for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Ben Tonkin of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the Southern District of Florida, the Middle District of Florida, the District of New Jersey, and the Southern District of New York.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-28.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.