Two men are facing multiple criminal charges after card skimming devices were discovered at a gas station in north Clarington, according to Durham Regional Police.
The investigation began when an employee conducting a routine inspection of gas pumps at a service station located on Highway 35/115 near Concession Road 8, north of Orono, discovered suspicious devices attached to the payment terminals. The devices were later identified as card skimming devices, which are used by criminals to capture credit or debit card information from unsuspecting customers.
After discovering the devices, staff at the gas station reviewed security camera footage from the location. The footage reportedly showed individuals installing the skimming devices on the fuel pump payment readers. Police were immediately contacted, and officers began investigating the incident.
According to Durham Regional Police, officers were called to the gas station Tuesday morning after the devices were discovered. Later the same day, investigators say the suspects returned to the location, allegedly attempting to retrieve the skimming equipment from the pumps.
Police were able to quickly locate the suspects a short distance away from the gas station and took them into custody without incident.
During the investigation, officers conducted a search of the suspect vehicle. Police say they discovered additional electronic skimming devices as well as illegal drugs inside the vehicle.
As a result of the investigation, Arthick Antonito, 43, of Pickering, has been charged with fraud over $5,000, using a device for unauthorized use of credit data, and possession of drugs. Antonito also faces three additional counts of possession of credit cards obtained by fraud.
A second suspect, Kajatheepan Karunakaran, 36, of Toronto, has also been charged with fraud over $5,000, using a device for unauthorized use of credit data, and possession of drugs. Karunakaran also faces two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
Police say both suspects were held for a bail hearing.
Investigators with the Durham Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit continue to examine the case and are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Anyone who may have cell phone footage, dashcam video, surveillance recordings, or any other information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Constable Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.
Police are also reminding residents to stay alert when using payment machines at gas stations and other locations, and to report any suspicious devices or tampering to authorities.
The allegations against the accused individuals have not yet been proven in court.
