Five Arrested in Houston Fraud Ring Linked to International Organized Crime

Five individuals have been arrested in Houston in connection with a complex fraud scheme involving motor vehicle theft, ATM skimming, organized retail theft, and the creation of fraudulent documents.

A multi-agency investigation, involving the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, the Houston Police Department, the United States Secret Service, the United States Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, targeted a Romanian organized crime network operating within the United States.

Investigators believe the network engaged in identity fraud, financial exploitation schemes, and other financial crimes.

On March 25, 2025, a search warrant was executed at a Houston residence, where law enforcement officers discovered numerous fraudulent passports and identification cards intended for criminal use.

Elizabeta Stefan and Madalin Trifu were arrested and charged with Forgery with Intent to Defraud (Texas Penal Code 32.21(E)). Vasile Trifu was arrested on charges related to ATM skimming. Ion Trifu and Catalin Trifu were detained by Homeland Security Investigations.

The coordinated operation highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat evolving financial crimes, including the use of fraudulent documents, payment card skimming, and social engineering tactics.