CUBA: Six Cuban Nationals Sentenced for Identity Theft and Bank Fraud Conspiracy

Six Cuban Nationals Sentenced for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Conspiracy

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced the sentencing of six Cuban nationals for their roles in a bank fraud and identity theft conspiracy. The group, which included the leader Yasmani Granja Quijada, recorded losses exceeding $5 million.

Skimming Devices Installed on Virginia Gas Pumps

The conspiracy took place between April and May 2018. The defendants installed skimming devices on gas pumps in Northampton County that recorded customers’ card numbers and PINs.

Stolen Data Used to Withdraw Money and Purchase Items

Using the stolen data, the group traveled between Harris Teeter stores and other locations. They withdrew money from victims’ bank accounts and purchased prepaid gift cards.

Group’s Leader Had Stolen Credit Card Numbers

The group’s leader, Yasmani Granja Quijada, was also found to have traded over 9,800 additional stolen credit card numbers using his email account in the past few years.

Seized Assets

The defendants’ ill-gotten gains included several vehicles:

• 2006 Triton 2895CC Boat and trailer
• 2017 Ford F250 Super Cab truck
• 2016 Cruise Radiance Travel Trailer RV
• 2017 Ford Escape SUV
• 2017 Maserati Ghibli
• 2013 Porsche Panamera

Several other conspirators remain at large and are believed to be living in Mexico.

Sentencing and Announcement

The following individuals were sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr.:

1. Yasmani Granja Quijada (33) – South Miami, FL – 120 months for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft (January 4, 2021)
2. Luis Miguel Fernandez Cardente (29) – Miami, FL – 64 months for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft (December 14, 2020)
3. Jorge Bello Fuentes (31) – Homestead, FL – 60 months for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft (July 17, 2020)
4. Guillermo Bello Fuentes (34) – Miami, FL – 47 months for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft (August 28, 2020)
5. Pedro Emilio Duran (40) – Miami, FL – 30 months for conspiracy to commit bank fraud (July 31, 2020)
6. Yariel Monsibaez Ruiz (29) – Hialeah, FL – 19 months for conspiracy to commit bank fraud (August 28, 2020)

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David L. Doughty, Jr., Northampton County Sheriff; and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi prosecuted the case.

Additional Information

Related court documents and additional information can be found on the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia’s website or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-109.