TX FCIC Investigation Leads to Prison Sentence for Romanian National Involved in Debit Card Skimming Case

TYLER, TX – A Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (TX FCIC) investigation into a sophisticated debit card skimming operation that stole financial information from hundreds of Central Texans resulted in the conviction Cristain Aron Broinas, a Romanian national. Broinas was sentenced to two years in prison.

The investigation, launched in December 2025, led TX FCIC special agents to a San Antonio-area short-term rental property where Broinas was manufacturing and deploying skimming devices. While executing a search warrant, investigators seized more than 240 skimming devices, 773 re-encoded payment cards, 12 fraudulent identification documents and passports bearing multiple identities, counterfeit card-making equipment, and approximately $6,000 in cash. A subsequent forensic review of the evidence identified hundreds of victims.

“Behind every financial crime is a Texan whose personal information, financial security, or peace of mind has been compromised. Protecting the public from sophisticated criminal operations like this one is at the heart of our mission,” said Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center Director Adam Colby. “These convictions demonstrate our commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to safeguard everyday Texans.”

Broinas plead guilty in Bexar County to unlawful interception, use, or disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications, in violation of Texas Penal Code 16.02.

The investigation was conducted by TX FCIC with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. TX FCIC also coordinated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which lodged an immigration detainer on Broinas while he was held at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. According to ICE, Broinas does not have lawful immigration status in the United States and will face federal immigration proceedings after completing his state prison sentence.

Consumers can help protect themselves from skimming by inspecting card readers before use, covering the keypad when entering a PIN, monitoring account activity regularly, and promptly reporting suspicious transactions to their financial institution. Anyone who suspects a debit or credit card skimmer should report it to the business where the card reader is located and to local law enforcement.