Two Cuban nationals with legal residency in the United States have been apprehended in South Dakota, tied to a significant credit card fraud network spanning various Walmart locations across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, as reported by local news outlets.
The duo was captured following a chase along Interstate 29. Upon searching their vehicle, officers uncovered a trove of technology used for card cloning, according to Dakota News Now.
The suspects, identified as Yordany Cuervo and Dario Brito Permuy, are both Florida residents holding green cards.
Mitchell Now reports that the suspects are accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme impacting stores in Sioux City (Iowa and Nebraska), Sioux Falls, and Brookings. Multiple thefts and fraudulent transactions were reported on October 28 and 29.
What began as a theft alert at Walmart quickly escalated into a broader investigation involving several police departments. A critical lead emerged when witnesses reported the suspects fleeing south towards Codington County.
As per Watertown Current, law enforcement promptly circulated the vehicle's description and intercepted it shortly thereafter.
Upon stopping the car, officers discovered numerous credit cards, identification documents, two phones, and a laptop. The most significant find came during a detailed inspection: over 300 credit cards, 11 skimmers numbered 1 to 12 (with device number 4 missing), a card reader and writer, and homemade magnetic strips crafted for copying financial data.
Investigators assert that the sheer volume of confiscated material highlights the operation's scale, potentially allowing access to hundreds of unsuspecting customers' card numbers. The two face 66 counts of forgery, one for each card or device seized as evidence.
Cuervo was released on bail on November 24 after posting $25,000, while Brito Permuy remains in custody. Both have pleaded not guilty, with a trial tentatively set for February 12, 2026.
Authorities remind the public that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Nevertheless, the case has sparked concern among shoppers and businesses in the area, where card cloning has become a persistent issue in recent years.
Understanding the Credit Card Fraud Case Involving Cubans in the U.S.
What led to the arrest of Yordany Cuervo and Dario Brito Permuy?
The arrest followed a high-speed chase along Interstate 29 and a subsequent vehicle search that revealed extensive technology for cloning credit cards.
How extensive was the credit card fraud operation?
The operation was large-scale, with over 300 credit cards, 11 skimmers, and equipment for copying financial information, indicating a significant threat to unsuspecting customers.
What charges are Cuervo and Brito Permuy facing?
They face 66 counts of forgery, one for each card or device seized during the investigation.