APOLLO BEACH, Fla. (WWSB) – Sheriff’s deputies in manatee and Hillsborough counties have dismantled a sophisticated credit card fraud operation, authorities said Friday.
In June, detectives were notified that a counterfeit credit card had been used to purchase fuel at a Wawa in Tampa.
It was determined that the original card’s information had been stolen using a credit card skimming device.
As part of the investigation, detectives served a search warrant July 8 at a home on Flamingo Avenue in Apollo Beach.
Detectives say they found a counterfeit credit card manufacturing and fraud operation and seized 154 counterfeit credit cards, dozens of credit card skimming devices, multiple ledgers documenting the operation and numerous electronic devices used to make and use counterfeit credit cards.
As the search began, deputies say the suspect in the home tried to destroy evidence by flushing a stack of counterfeit credit cards down a toilet.
Detectives were able to recover the flushed cards, along with additional skimming devices.
Detectives arrested Juan Miguel Acosta Ramos, 32, charging him with:
- Trafficking in 50 or more counterfeit credit cards
- Possession of credit card making equipment
- Possession of a skimming device
- Tampering with physical evidence
Detectives also seized a Ford F-250 allegedly used in the crimes.
The investigation is continuing.
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