An indictment charging five defendants with fraud and aggravated identity theft for various ATM skimming-related crimes perpetrated between May 2022 and February 2023, was partially unsealed earlier today at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn.
To execute the fraud, the defendants allegedly installed devices and cameras on ATMs, capturing victim account information and personal identification numbers (PINs). The defendants then transferred data obtained by those devices onto counterfeit debit cards, which the defendants used to make purchases and withdraw cash. As a result, the defendants compromised over 600 victim accounts and stole thousands of dollars.
Five defendants were arrested earlier this morning in New York, and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Patrick Freaney, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), New York Field Office and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the charges.
“As alleged, the defendants engaged in a sophisticated scheme by installing cameras and devices in ATM card slots to surreptitiously steal victim bank account information and use that stolen information to cash out for their own personal gain,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The arrests today demonstrate that this Office will continue to investigate and prosecute fraudulent activity compromising victims’ financial safety and security.”
The five defendants allegedly targeted hundreds of victims, exploiting their trust in routine elements of our financial systems and stealing thousands from their hard-earned savings. The defendants’ concerted efforts to conceal this fraudulent activity allowed the scam to plague the community for almost a year, highlighting the pervasive nature of criminal financial schemes.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant:
None listed in the source, however, a press release was provided, suggesting the possibility of a later release. As such, the following is based on the details in the source. Defendant 1 is unknown at this time.
Criminal Charges:
Fraud and aggravated identity theft for various ATM skimming-related crimes perpetrated between May 2022 and February 2023.
City and State:
New York.
Exact Date:
May 2022 to February 2023 (crime dates).
Sentence or Outcome:
Arraignment scheduled for today before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn.
Dollar Amounts:
Over 600 victim accounts compromised and thousands of dollars stolen.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Cybercrime | Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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