The thieves would copy information from the magnetic strip of credit cards, and use it to forge counterfeit cards.
The 19 people arrested are thought to be linked to a total of three separate card skimming networks, according to le Parisien.
The cards would be used to make false purchases at businesses run by others in the network, who would then cash the money and share it with their accomplices.
In total, the gangs are thought to have attempted to steal €14 million, but only pocketed €3 million due to bank security blocking certain transactions.
A police branch focused on catching such criminals had apparently been investigating the gangs for months before the arrests.
The 19 people caught have been charged with “fraud within an organised gang, concerning fabrication, detention and falsification of payment cards.”
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