Three Sentenced in North Texas Card-Skimming Ring That Hit CVS, Walgreens

Three individuals involved in a credit card skimming operation have been sentenced to significant prison terms following their guilty pleas. The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office reported that Gheorge-Ciprian Hilitanu received a 30-year sentence, while Victor Tecu and Ionut Firan-Alexandrau were each sentenced to 20 years.

The scheme targeted customers at CVS and Walgreens across North Texas in July 2025, impacting at least 783 victims.

The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center led the investigation, uncovering hidden skimming devices placed on payment terminals to capture card information. A search at an Airbnb where the suspects were staying revealed over 150 skimming devices, 237 re-encoded gift cards, and equipment for creating counterfeit cards.

Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot emphasized the impact of such financial crimes on everyday consumers. He noted that the sentences reflect the serious nature of organized financial crime. Authorities recommend that consumers inspect card readers, cover keypads while entering PINs, and monitor account activity to protect themselves from such schemes. Dallas is about 25 miles south of Frisco.

Sources

https://dallasweekly.news/article/dallas-credit-card-skimming-ring-2026