This would be your run-of-the-mill half a million dollar rip-off of the US taxpayer, except for the fact that ICE ran the investigation. Readers, usually in these cases we see the FBI and the US Department of Agriculture, but I’ve never seen ICE running the show, so clearly these crooks have immigration problems (that law enforcement is willing to admit, just not to the public!).
For new readers, food stamp fraud is a hobby here at RRW. We aren’t saying refugees are behind these scams, but surely without the huge increase in food stamp use by refugees and everyone else, these scammers wouldn’t have any clientele.
Also, for new readers, note that El Cajon is a preferred resettlement site for refugee contractors (click here for our archive). I see in one story we posted in the summer of 2012, city officials were planning a trip to DC to beg the State Department/others for financial relief from their refugee overload.
Here is the food stamp fraud bust at ABC10 News:
EL CAJON, Calif. – Two store owners in El Cajon suspected of defrauding a federal and state food stamp program of nearly $500,000 have been arrested. The claims came to light after a yearlong undercover sting operation.
Those with limited financial means can buy groceries using an electronic food stamp card, which looks similar to a credit card. The store that sold the items gets reimbursed by the state.
According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the owner of Arturo’s Market on El Cajon Boulevard and the owner of Athena Food on W. Main Street defrauded the state over a two-year period.
On Monday, federal agents arrested Rod Toma of Arturo’s Market and Serror Zakar of Athena Food. They are suspected of electronically submitting hundreds of phony claims.
If this case ends like so many others, they will get short prison sentences, be out running the store again and not being deported.
For all of our dozens and dozens of food stamp fraud stories, go here.
Speaking of immigrant fraud schemes, did you see the indictment in New Jersey in the $200 million credit card fraud scheme?
Here it is, hat tip Cathy, at Shariah Finance Watch. Makes these food stamp rip-offs look like chump change!