The Romanian mafia has revamped their tactics for debit card theft, according to prosecutors in California. They now place devices to steal information on self-checkout machines in grocery stores, posing an additional challenge for authorities.

Skimmers, once prevalent at gas stations and ATMs, have now spread through a highly organized criminal network. Criminals use Bluetooth technology to connect skimmers inside stores, allowing them to cash out and steal card numbers simultaneously.

Authorities have noted that suspects can install a skimmer over the card reader of the checkout machine within seconds, making detection difficult for consumers. They recommend checking if the card wobbles or sticks out before inserting it, as it could indicate the presence of a fake device.

Despite recent raids leading to the arrest of dozens of suspects in various countries, including the United States, Europe, and Mexico, thefts continue to rise. Scammers could be making up to $9 million per month, mostly at the expense of taxpayers and social assistance programs.

The porous southern border of the United States provides mobsters with a steady supply of new members, while lax bail policies and incomplete criminal backgrounds allow them to evade justice if arrested.

Florin Duduianu, a 39-year-old man involved in the scheme, was recently convicted in California. He is expected to receive a lengthy prison sentence, marking a significant blow against Romanian mafia criminal activity in the country.

Authorities have made joint efforts with international agencies such as the FBI and Romanian police to dismantle these criminal operations. However, ties between the Romanian mafia and criminal groups in other countries, such as Mexico, remain a concern.