https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/how-romanian-crime-rings-are-draining-u-s-welfare-accountsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/how-romanian-crime-rings-are-draining-u-s-welfare-accountshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/how-romanian-crime-rings-are-draining-u-s-welfare-accounts#u80258Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:26:00 +0000Romanian organized-crime groups are stealing millions of dollars from U.S. welfare accounts by targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. These criminals exploit outdated payment technology to drain food and cash assistance intended for low-income families. A Wall Street Journal investigation and federal court records reveal a nationwide operation using skimming techniques to compromise benefit cards. The scheme leverages vulnerabilities in legacy systems to divert government funds into criminal networks.Why it mattersElectronic Benefit Transfer cards serve as the primary vehicle for distrib