Calvert County Sheriff’s Office detectives, working alongside federal and regional law enforcement partners, arrested 20-year-old Becam CiuCiu of Baltimore on February 5, 2026, capping an intensive investigation into illegal skimming devices placed at retail locations across Maryland.
The probe began in October 2025 when Calvert County deputies responded to multiple reports of skimming devices attached to point-of-sale PIN pads at 7-Eleven stores in the county. These compact, illicit tools capture debit and credit card data along with PINs, enabling criminals to clone cards and withdraw cash or purchase goods fraudulently.
Investigators pieced together evidence through surveillance footage analysis, cross-agency coordination, and search warrant executions. This work pinpointed CiuCiu as the individual who installed skimming devices at several 7-Eleven sites spanning multiple Maryland jurisdictions.
On February 5, deputies carried out search and arrest warrants at residences in Baltimore City. The operation yielded significant evidence: 15 skimming devices, 71 encoded “cash-out” cards, equipment used to manufacture skimming devices, and $21,264 in U.S. currency.
CiuCiu was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and formally charged with two counts of Possession of a Skimming Device and two counts of Identity Fraud with Intent to Manufacture/Distribute.
Authorities describe the case as active, with potential for further charges and arrests as the investigation continues. The multijurisdictional scope underscores how skimming operations often cross county and agency lines, requiring coordinated efforts to disrupt them.
Skimming remains a persistent threat to consumers in Southern Maryland and beyond, particularly at convenience stores and gas stations where PIN pads are accessible. Criminals exploit these vulnerabilities to harvest financial data undetected for weeks or longer.
The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone suspecting they fell victim to debit or credit card fraud to contact their bank or credit union right away and notify local law enforcement of any unusual transactions. Prompt reporting helps limit damage and aids ongoing probes.
This arrest highlights the effectiveness of proactive surveillance and interagency partnerships in combating financial crimes that target everyday shoppers. While the recovered items prevent further immediate use, officials stress vigilance: inspect card readers for tampering, shield PIN entry, and opt for contactless payments when available.
No additional victim impact details or specific store locations beyond Calvert County 7-Elevens were released in the announcement. The investigation’s focus on manufacturing equipment suggests the operation went beyond placement to include device production.