Tyler, Texas, December 28, 2025
Authorities have arrested three individuals accused of masterminding a $14 million fraudulent gift card scheme in Texas. The suspects, arrested by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, were found with over 400 compromised gift cards. The operation involved stealing unactivated gift cards from retail kiosks, leading to significant financial losses for consumers. Legal consequences await as all are charged with felony offenses, prompting a consumer advisory for vigilance against gift card scams.
Tyler, Texas – December 28, 2025
Three Men Arrested in $14 Million Gift Card Fraud Scheme
Authorities in Texas have arrested three men accused of orchestrating a $14 million gift card fraud scheme. The suspects, identified as Kristians Petrovskis, Romualds Cubrevics, and Nurmunds Ulevicus, were apprehended by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) in December 2025. At the time of their arrest, they were found in possession of over 400 compromised gift cards.
Details of the Fraudulent Operation
The fraudulent operation involved the theft of unactivated gift cards from retail store kiosks. The suspects would open the packaging, copy the electronic card numbers, reseal the packaging, and return the cards to the store displays. Once consumers purchased and loaded funds onto these compromised cards, the suspects monitored the balances and quickly drained the funds before the buyers could use them.
Scope and Impact
The suspects admitted to stealing an average of 10 gift cards daily, seven days a week, since May 2025. Their activities have been linked to similar offenses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Central Texas, and along the Gulf Coast. The total estimated loss from this scheme is approximately $14 million.
Legal Actions and Charges
All three men have been charged with fraudulent possession of gift cards, a first-degree felony under Texas law. Two are being held in the Dallas County Jail, while one remains in custody in Garland. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Garland Police Department, Dallas Police Department teams, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Consumer Advisory
Authorities are urging consumers to carefully examine gift card packaging before purchasing, looking for signs of tampering such as damaged seals or excess glue, to protect themselves from similar scams. This case highlights the importance of vigilance during the holiday season to prevent falling victim to fraudulent activities.
Background on the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center
The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, based in Tyler, Texas, coordinates law enforcement investigations into organized financial fraud. Established in January 2022, it is the first of its kind in the United States and plays a crucial role in identifying, investigating, and disrupting financial crime operations across the state.
Related Incidents
This case is part of a broader effort by Texas authorities to combat financial crimes. In March 2025, the FCIC, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, dismantled a sophisticated credit card skimming operation, leading to the arrest of two Romanian citizens. The operation was estimated to have prevented more than $5.2 million in potential losses to victims in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Conclusion
The arrest of Petrovskis, Cubrevics, and Ulevicus underscores the ongoing efforts by Texas authorities to combat financial fraud. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to protect themselves and others from similar schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who were the individuals arrested in the $14 million gift card fraud scheme?
The individuals arrested were Kristians Petrovskis, Romualds Cubrevics, and Nurmunds Ulevicus. They were apprehended by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) in December 2025 and were found in possession of over 400 compromised gift cards.
What was the method used in the fraudulent operation?
The fraudulent operation involved the theft of unactivated gift cards from retail store kiosks. The suspects would open the packaging, copy the electronic card numbers, reseal the packaging, and return the cards to the store displays. Once consumers purchased and loaded funds onto these compromised cards, the suspects monitored the balances and quickly drained the funds before the buyers could use them.
How many gift cards were involved in the scheme?
The suspects admitted to stealing an average of 10 gift cards daily, seven days a week, since May 2025. Their activities have been linked to similar offenses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Central Texas, and along the Gulf Coast. The total estimated loss from this scheme is approximately $14 million.
What charges have been filed against the suspects?
All three men have been charged with fraudulent possession of gift cards, a first-degree felony under Texas law. Two are being held in the Dallas County Jail, while one remains in custody in Garland. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Garland Police Department, Dallas Police Department teams, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What precautions should consumers take to avoid similar scams?
Authorities are urging consumers to carefully examine gift card packaging before purchasing, looking for signs of tampering such as damaged seals or excess glue, to protect themselves from similar scams. This case highlights the importance of vigilance during the holiday season to prevent falling victim to fraudulent activities.
Key Features of the $14 Million Gift Card Cloning Scheme
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scheme Type | Gift card cloning involving theft and duplication of unactivated gift cards from retail kiosks. |
| Estimated Losses | Approximately $14 million in fraudulent activity. |
| Suspects Arrested | Kristians Petrovskis, Romualds Cubrevics, and Nurmunds Ulevicus. |
| Method of Fraud | Theft of unactivated gift cards, copying electronic numbers, resealing packaging, and returning to store displays. |
| Consumer Advisory | Examine gift card packaging for signs of tampering before purchase to avoid similar scams. |
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Three Arrested in $14 Million Gift Card Cloning Scheme in Dallas
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