ORLANDO, Fla. – A federal grand jury has indicted Yunier Perez-Bertemati, 40, on multiple charges, including access device fraud, identity theft, and making false statements on an immigration application, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced.
Fraudulent Scheme Involving Stolen Card Data
According to the indictment, Perez-Bertemati allegedly sold counterfeit credit and debit cards containing stolen account information between November 2023 and January 2025. He also trafficked “skimming” devices—tools used to steal card data from ATMs, gas pumps, and other point-of-sale terminals.
False Statements on Citizenship Application
A Cuban citizen, Perez-Bertemati recently sought U.S. naturalization but is accused of providing false information on his application and during an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Perez-Bertemati faces:
- Up to 10 years per count for access device fraud
- Up to 15 years for trafficking device-making equipment
- Up to 10 years for false statements on his immigration application
- Up to 5 years for lying to a federal agent
- A mandatory 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft
- Prosecutors also seek to recover $9,650 in alleged illicit proceeds.
Investigation & Prosecution
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Sowell is leading the prosecution.
Part of National Crackdown
The indictment falls under “Operation Take Back America,” a Justice Department initiative targeting illegal immigration, transnational crime, and threats to public safety.
Reporting Fraud
USCIS encourages reporting suspected immigration fraud via its Tip Form.
Related topics:
- How Long Do Immigration Court Hearings Usually Take?
- Does Immigration Check Your Work History When Applying?
- Can an Immigrant Get a Passport?
