PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Ciprian Costel Borcea, a 46-year-old resident of Bacau, Romania, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a brazen ATM skimming scheme that bilked local banks out of $450,000 and compromised the sensitive information of over 700 customers.
Borcea, who was convicted of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, was handed down the sentence by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. The defendant was caught on surveillance video installing skimming devices and cameras on area ATMs in March and April 2023, capturing the information from the magnetic strips of ATM cards and personal identification numbers.
The investigation revealed that Borcea used the stolen information to create counterfeit ATM cards, which he then used to withdraw money from the compromised accounts. In total, the scheme caused losses of more than $450,000 and affected over 700 customers.
On May 3, 2023, Borcea was caught installing a skimming device on an ATM in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. He was taken into custody by the U.S. Secret Service after a surveillance operation and a search of his vehicle revealed a skimming device, counterfeit ATM cards, and other evidence linking him to the ATM skimming scheme in Pittsburgh.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, with United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan commending the U.S. Secret Service for their role in the investigation and successful prosecution of Borcea.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of ATM skimming schemes and the importance of bank customers being vigilant about protecting their sensitive information.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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