San Antonio, Texas, December 25, 2025
Authorities in Texas have arrested three men connected to a large-scale gift card cloning scheme that resulted in losses of approximately $14 million. The suspects were found with over 400 compromised gift cards and targeted multiple retail locations across North Texas, Central Texas, and the Gulf Coast. Investigators urge consumers to examine gift card packaging for signs of tampering to prevent falling victim to similar scams.
San Antonio, Texas – December 25, 2025
Authorities have arrested three men in connection with a $14 million gift card cloning scheme that spanned multiple regions of Texas, including North Texas, Central Texas, and the Gulf Coast.
The suspects, identified as Kristians Petrovskis, Romualds Cubrevics, and Normunds Ulevicus, were apprehended by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. At the time of their arrest, they were found in possession of over 400 gift cards.
The fraudulent operation involved stealing unactivated gift cards from retail store kiosks, copying the card numbers, resealing the packaging, and returning the cards to 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.
Investigators revealed that the suspects typically targeted approximately 10 stores daily, operating seven days a week, and had been executing this scheme since May 2025. The fraudulent activities have been linked to cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Central Texas, and along the Gulf Coast.
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. It is not immediately clear whether the suspects have legal representation.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the nature of the $14 million gift card cloning scheme in Texas?
The scheme involved stealing unactivated gift cards from retail store kiosks, copying the card numbers, resealing the packaging, and returning the cards to 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.
Who were the individuals arrested in connection with this scheme?
The suspects were identified as Kristians Petrovskis, Romualds Cubrevics, and Normunds Ulevicus. They were apprehended by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center and were found in possession of over 400 gift cards at the time of their arrest.
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.
Which areas in Texas were affected by this fraudulent activity?
The fraudulent activities have been linked to cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Central Texas, and along the Gulf Coast.
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.
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 Normunds Ulevicus. |
| Number of Gift Cards Seized | Over 400 gift cards were found in the suspects’ possession at the time of their arrest. |
| Operational Period | Since May 2025, with suspects targeting approximately 10 stores daily, seven days a week. |
| Areas Affected | Dallas-Fort Worth area, Central Texas, and along the Gulf Coast. |
| Charges Filed | Fraudulent possession of gift cards, a first-degree felony under Texas law. |
| Consumer Advisory | Examine gift card packaging for signs of tampering, such as damaged seals or excess glue, before purchasing. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
