Eight People Indicted in $7 Million SNAP Benefits Fraud Scheme in New York
Eight individuals have been indicted in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar scheme that stole more than $7 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from thousands of New Yorkers.
According to prosecutors, the alleged operation ran from April 2023 through September 2025 and involved stealing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information to create cloned cards. Investigators say the suspects used fraudulent merchant accounts registered under the names of real and fictitious delis to process thousands of unauthorized transactions.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described how the operation allegedly targeted people relying on government food assistance.
“SNAP and EBT fraud harms New Yorkers in need of assistance and the New Yorkers whose tax dollars fund these essential programs,” Bragg said.
Authorities allege the group monitored when SNAP benefits were deposited and quickly drained recipients’ accounts before they could purchase groceries and other necessities. Some victims reportedly discovered their benefits were gone when they attempted to use their cards.
Investigators also believe the stolen money was used to purchase luxury vehicles and send tens of thousands of dollars overseas, including to Yemen. The alleged operation was reportedly run out of a Yonkers deli and several hotels.
Department of Investigation Commissioner Nadia Shihata called the scheme particularly harmful because it left vulnerable residents without money for essential food purchases.
The eight defendants face charges including conspiracy, grand larceny and identity theft. The allegations have not yet been proven in court.