Romanian Cybercrooks Hit with 18-Month Sentence

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – The grimy world of cybercrime has dealt a serious blow as Ion Halmac, 35, and Marian Vasilache, 45, both Romanian nationals, have been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for their part in a massive bank card number heist.

The duo’s sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Their criminal enterprise, which included conspiracy to steal bank card numbers, possession of skimming equipment, and possession of stolen bank card numbers, has been effectively dismantled thanks to a joint investigation by federal and local agencies.

U.S. Attorney Coody emphasized the success of cooperative investigations, stating, ‘These cases demonstrate the success of cooperative investigations by federal and local agencies working to identify and arrest those attempting to profit from fraud and theft. The protection of our citizens’ financial information is paramount, and with the help of our law enforcement partners, we will hold criminals accountable, no matter their national origin.’

The Florida Highway Patrol stopped Halmac and Vasilache on April 17, 2023, for speeding along I-10. Their false identification led to a search that uncovered card skimming equipment, blank cards, and a laptop containing over 3,000 bank card numbers. A subsequent search of a storage facility in New Orleans revealed additional skimming equipment.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tallahassee’s Nicholas Ingegno echoed the sentiment, ‘Crimes that threaten the identities, financial security, and future of American citizens will not be tolerated. Alongside our state and local partners, HSI will investigate criminals who steal the identities of U.S. citizens and lurk in the shadows of the internet to pick the digital pockets of unsuspecting victims.’

Each defendant faces a term of 1-year supervised release following their prison sentence, likely to be negated by immediate deportation proceedings. The case is another victory for Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore, who prosecuted the joint investigation involving the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and HSI.