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. The charges are related to their alleged involvement 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. They are accused of fraudulently collecting 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. These were reportedly used to purchase items including gift cards and electronics, make ATM withdrawals, and make cashback purchases from retail stores. Members and associates of the organization also allegedly used “fences” to sell these illegally obtained items for cash. The defendants are also accused of engaging 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, Idalberto Rivero (also known as El Monstro), Anyelo Jesus Muino Ayala (also known as Justin Bieber), Pedro Raul Zequeira Alvarez (also known as Yery Yery), Raul Ferrao Pons (also known as Rauli), Jorge Enrique Fonseca Vazquez (also known as Ogberoso), and Luis Gustavo Diaz (also known as Ogberdi) have been charged in the indictment.
The defendants face one count of RICO conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. If convicted on each count, they could each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri; U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan of the FBI Norfolk Field Office made the announcement. The case is being investigated by several FBI field offices, the U.S. Secret Service, Virginia State Police, and local police departments.
Trial Attorney Ben Tonkin of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen S. Taylor and Clayton D. LaForge for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. They are receiving assistance from multiple districts across Florida, New Jersey, and New York.
It should be noted that an indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.