Investigators say they’ve uncovered who’s behind a scheme to steal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from Ohioans using EBT card skimmers.

The Ohio Investigative Unit and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office have announced the indictment of Hafedh Al-Gahim, 52, of Brooklyn, New York, and his company Buffalo Discount Corp. Al-Gahim and his company are accused of defrauding more than $125,000 in SNAP benefits from Ohio recipients.

The indictment stems from reports received by the OIU, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and local law enforcement agencies of stolen SNAP benefits in Ohio, which are issued to recipients through the Ohio EBT Card.

OIU says the thefts are often due to “skimmers” that capture card numbers and PINs from point-of-sale terminals. This stolen information is then used in fraudulent transactions, typically depleting the entire balance.

  Boardman Police

In June 2023, OIU agents were alerted to suspected fraudulent transactions at a Brooklyn, NY bodega. Over five weeks, more than 370 fraudulent transactions were identified involving Ohio SNAP recipients. Agents determined that all of the transactions were fraudulent, with Ohio EBT card details being used every 30 to 45 seconds at the Brooklyn terminal, often for transactions as high as $800 each.

Further investigation revealed that Al-Gahim and Buffalo Discount Corp. were responsible for the scheme. Agents allege Al-Gahim personally benefitted by withdrawing large sums of cash and using the proceeds for personal expenses, dining, and leisure activities.

As a result of the investigation, a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury indicted Al-Gahim and Buffalo Discount Corp. on charges of theft, illegal Use of EBT, money laundering, and telecommunications fraud.

 

Cortland Police have turned their investigation over to the Ohio Investigative Unit. Boardman Police are checking to see if they have any evidence that their skimming incidents are related to Buffalo Discount.

Late last year the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services issued a warning about upticks in skimming reports and suspicious Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program activity.