More Than $3 Million in SNAP Benefits Stolen as Federal Prosecutors Charge 40 Across Oregon Fraud Investigations

PORTLAND, Ore. - Federal prosecutors have announced charges against at least 40 people in connection with organized fraud schemes that used stolen food assistance benefits to purchase millions of dollars in merchandise across Oregon and neighboring states.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon announced Wednesday, October 21, that the investigations involve more than $3 million in fraudulent purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to eligible individuals and families.

According to federal investigators, those involved obtained Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information through skimming devices and other methods. The stolen card numbers and personal identification numbers were then used to make unauthorized purchases of large quantities of groceries and other eligible products.

In some cases, investigators say the merchandise was transported across state lines and resold on the black market.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced additional guilty pleas, 11 new indictments, and several federal prison sentences during a press conference Wednesday.

“When SNAP benefits are stolen, real families go without food,” Bradford said. “That is unacceptable. My office will continue pursuing these cases to safeguard the integrity of the program and uphold the trust placed in us to protect Oregon’s communities.”

Investigators Uncover $2.4 Million Fraud Scheme

One of the largest investigations began in October 2024, when a federal grand jury indicted 17 people accused of stealing more than $2.4 million in SNAP benefits.

Prosecutors say the group operated between August 2023 and October 2024, obtaining EBT account information and using the stolen benefits to purchase infant formula, energy drinks, and other food products at stores in Oregon, Washington, and California.

Some purchases were made through curbside pickup services, allowing those involved to obtain large quantities of merchandise using compromised accounts.

Investigators determined that more than 120,000 pounds of merchandise were purchased through the scheme. The products were stored at locations in Oregon and Washington before being shipped to California for resale.

All 17 defendants were arrested in October 2024.

Since then, 12 defendants have received prison sentences totaling 157 months. Another two defendants have pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing in December.

Among those sentenced was Ana Escalante, who prosecutors said helped transport the merchandise across state lines. She received a 27-month federal prison sentence in September 2026 and was ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution.

Second Investigation Involves $700,000 in Losses

A separate federal investigation resulted in charges against Alexandru Telescu and 11 other people in November 2025.

Prosecutors allege the group used stolen EBT card numbers and PINs, including information obtained through skimming devices installed on payment terminals, to make fraudulent purchases beginning in April 2025.

The purchases occurred in Oregon, Washington, and California. Investigators say merchandise was stored in storage units or transported to California using vans and trucks.

Estimated losses in that case total approximately $700,000.

Telescu pleaded guilty September 29, 2026, to access-device fraud and aggravated identity theft. His sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2027.

Two co-defendants, Aramis and Cristina Manolea, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. Both were sentenced in May to time served and three years of supervised release.

Additional Charges Filed in Recent Weeks

Federal prosecutors also announced several new cases involving the theft and unauthorized use of EBT information.

On October 7, a federal grand jury indicted Bly Gnionsiekan Rodoophe Kehi on charges of conspiracy to commit access-device fraud and possession of device-making equipment.

Prosecutors allege Kehi installed skimming devices on payment terminals in Washington County to capture customers' card information.

In September and October, federal grand juries charged 10 additional defendants in separate cases involving stolen EBT card numbers and PINs.

Each case involves allegations that more than $1,000 in merchandise was purchased using stolen SNAP benefits during 2024. The combined estimated losses in those cases total $143,000.

The charges in the pending cases are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

What Oregon SNAP Recipients Should Know

While federal authorities have not identified a specific connection to Douglas County in the announced cases, EBT skimming is a concern for benefit recipients throughout Oregon.

Skimming devices can be installed on legitimate payment terminals to capture card information when customers make purchases. Criminals may then use the stolen information to access benefits without possessing the original card.

For families who rely on SNAP to purchase groceries, unauthorized transactions can leave them without funds needed for food.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) encourages EBT cardholders to take several precautions to protect their benefits:

• Freeze EBT cards between purchases. Cardholders can temporarily freeze their cards through the official ebtEDGE website or mobile application and unfreeze them when needed.
• Block out-of-state and online transactions. These restrictions can help prevent unauthorized purchases using stolen card information.
• Monitor account activity. Regularly review purchases and balances for transactions that are unfamiliar.
• Protect PIN information. Avoid sharing card numbers or PINs through unsolicited calls, text messages, or social media.
• Use official account management services. ODHS recommends using only the official ebtEDGE website or mobile application to manage benefits.

Residents who believe their EBT information has been compromised should cancel their card immediately.

During regular weekday business hours, cardholders can call the EBT replacement line at 855-328-6715. Outside those hours, they can call 888-997-4447 to cancel the card and then request a replacement during business hours.

ODHS also warns that federal funding previously used to reimburse electronically stolen SNAP benefits expired in December 2024. As a result, the agency cannot currently replace SNAP benefits stolen through electronic theft after December 20, 2024.

Additional information about protecting benefits is available through the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Federal Investigation Continues

The investigations involve several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Authorities say the coordinated effort is focused on identifying organized groups responsible for stealing public assistance benefits and disrupting networks involved in reselling merchandise purchased through fraud.

USDA Inspector General John Walk said the schemes affected more than the financial integrity of the SNAP program, noting that the unauthorized resale of products such as infant formula also raised public health and safety concerns.

Federal prosecutors say their investigations and enforcement efforts will continue as agencies work to identify additional fraud and protect households that depend on food assistance.