Romanian Woman Pleads Guilty in ATM Skimming Fraud

GRIMY NEWS – In a stunning plea deal, Romanian woman Marinela Unguru-Ducila has admitted her guilt in a massive ATM skimming fraud scheme that bilked Bank of America out of $183,120.54.

Unguru-Ducila, who stood by husband Nicolae Sarbu as he installed and removed skimmers at numerous ATMs across the Buffalo and Rochester areas, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, failed to report the fraudulent activities between August and November 2015. She was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to time served.

Sarbu himself has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. He faces a mandatory minimum of two years and up to twenty years in prison, to be determined on May 17, 2017, when he will be sentenced by Judge Arcara.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, Unguru-Ducila was an active participant in the scheme. She recorded bank account information and PINs from unsuspecting customers without authorization, using them to make unauthorized withdrawals. Sarbu, with Unguru-Ducila’s knowledge, also encoded this stolen information onto blank plastic cards and gift cards.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Grisanti emphasized that Unguru-Ducila was present during the installation of skimmers at several banks in North Tonawanda and West Seneca, NY, and failed to notify authorities. The investigation into this sophisticated fraud scheme was conducted by immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations, directed by Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the brazen nature of organized crime and the need for vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat financial fraud. Contact: Barbara Burns – PHONE: (716) 843-5817, FAX: (716) 551-3051.

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