Two Cubans arrested in Tampa with card cloning devices: one had a deportation order

The Cubans were stopped during a traffic stop while driving a 2019 Range Rover that had committed multiple traffic violations.

Cards on a car (Reference image)Photo © FHP Tampa

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Two Cubans residing in Tampa - one of them with a deportation order - were arrested for having fraudulent credit cards and card cloning devices.

The arrest took place on Wednesday during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 in Sumter County.

A press release from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) revealed that officers instructed to stop a 2019 Range Rover that had committed multiple traffic violations.

Photo: Tampa Police via Fox

When registering the vehicle, the agents found "four credit card cloning devices used to steal and store bank card information and 20 hidden fraudulent credit cards."

The occupants of the car were identified as Carlos E. Del Pino, 34 years old (the driver) and Yandi Valdés Rodríguez, 35 years old (the passenger).

Carlos E. Del Pino. Photo: Tampa Police via Fox

The officers contacted the Border Patrol and it was confirmed that the United States Secret Service had previously charged Del Pino with possessing a device for cloning credit cards and he had an active deportation order in effect since 2019.

Both subjects were arrested and taken to the Sumter County jail without resistance. At that time, the Border Patrol issued a detainment order for the driver.

Both were charged with multiple offenses, including:

Carlos E. Del Pino:

Criminal use of personal identification information: felony: 11 charges

Possession and transfer of equipment for manufacturing credit cards: felony, 4 charges

Robbery; obtaining credit cards through fraudulent means - Serious crime - 16 charges

Illegal possession of another person's personal identification information - Felony - 11 charges

Trafficking or possession of counterfeit credit cards: felony: 11 charges

Use of a scanning device, skimming device, or recorder for fraud; possession of a skimming device; penalties - Felony - 4 charges

According to the FHP, Del Pino is currently on federal probation and also has an immigration detention order.

Yandi Valdes Rodríguez:

Criminal use of personal identification information - Felony - 11 charges

Possession and transfer of equipment for manufacturing credit cards: felony, 4 charges

Robbery; obtaining credit cards through fraudulent means: felony, 15 charges

Illegal possession of another person's personal identification information - Felony - 11 charges

Trafficking or possession of counterfeit credit cards: felony: 11 charges

Use of a scanning device, skimming device, or recorder to commit fraud; possession of a skimming device; penalties - Felony - 4 charges

The investigation of the events is still ongoing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Arrest of Cubans with Card Cloning Devices in Tampa

Why were the Cubans detained in Tampa?

They were arrested for possessing credit card cloning devices and fraudulent cards. During a traffic stop, four cloning devices and twenty fraudulent credit cards were found in their vehicle, prompting authorities to make the arrest.

What charges are Carlos E. Del Pino and Yandi Valdés Rodríguez facing?

Carlos E. Del Pino faces multiple charges including the illicit use of personal information, possession of equipment to manufacture credit cards, and trafficking in counterfeit credit cards. Yandi Valdés Rodríguez faces similar charges, including the illicit use of information and possession of equipment for credit cards. Both have been accused of felony offenses.

What is the immigration status of Carlos E. Del Pino?

Carlos E. Del Pino has an active deportation order since 2019 and is currently under federal parole, in addition to facing an immigration detention order from the U.S. Border Patrol.

How does this case relate to other crimes committed by Cubans in Florida?

This case is part of a series of crimes involving Cubans in Florida, including financial fraud and human trafficking. In Miami-Dade, for instance, there have been reported cases of insurance fraud and migrant trafficking. These incidents reflect a troubling trend of illegal activities within the Cuban community in the region.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.