Three individuals involved in a credit card skimming operation have been sentenced to significant prison terms, according to the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office. Gheorge-Ciprian Hilitanu received a 30-year sentence, while Victor Tecu and Ionut Firan-Alexandrau were each sentenced to 20 years. Their scheme targeted customers at CVS and Walgreens across North Texas, affecting at least 783 victims in July 2025.
The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center led the investigation, which uncovered that the defendants used hidden skimming devices on payment terminals to capture sensitive card information. Following their arrests, authorities discovered over 150 skimming devices, numerous re-encoded gift cards, and equipment for producing counterfeit cards at an Airbnb where the group was staying.
Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot emphasized the impact of such financial crimes on everyday individuals. He noted that these sentences reflect the serious consequences of organized financial crime. To help safeguard against skimming, consumers are advised to inspect card readers, cover keypads when entering PINs, and monitor their account activities regularly. Dallas is about 27 miles south of Little Elm.
