An illegal alien living in Oregon has been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a massive scheme to steal over $2.4 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, federal authorities announced Friday.
Giovanni Spirea, a 29-year-old Italian national residing illegally in the United States, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay nearly $62,000 in restitution. Spirea admitted to operating an extensive food stamp fraud operation from August 2023 to October 2024.
According to U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford, Spirea and his co-conspirators used electronic skimming devices to steal benefit information from SNAP recipients. The stolen data was encoded onto cloned EBT cards, which were then used to purchase large quantities of items like infant formula and energy drinks.
In total, Spirea and his group acquired more than 120,000 pounds of goods using stolen benefits. These products were stored in residential homes and storage units across Oregon and Washington before being transported to California, where they were sold illegally on the black market.
“Protecting government-funded programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program isn’t just about preserving funds — it’s about safeguarding trust in a vital lifeline that millions of families depend on,” Bradford said. He added that the sentencing should send a message to others seeking to exploit federal aid programs.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day also condemned the theft, stating, “The theft of benefits intended for families in need is a serious crime. We remain committed to holding accountable those who exploit public resources for personal gain.”
Spirea’s conviction raises renewed scrutiny over Oregon’s sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Critics argue such policies create opportunities for foreign nationals living illegally in the U.S. to avoid detection while engaging in serious criminal activity.
