Buffalo, NY – In a shocking case of cybercrime, Iurie Stratenco, 28, a Moldovan national, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in front of U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.
The 20-year maximum penalty for wire fraud looms over Stratenco, who could also face a fine of $250,000, or both, according to U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross revealed that Stratenco used a fraudulent passport in the name of Christian Bendtner from Denmark to open several bank accounts in the Buffalo area. Stratenco then placed false advertisements on eBay for high-end motorcycles, including the "Can-Am Spyder" and the "Honda Goldwing".
Stratenco directed interested buyers to wire money into one of the bank accounts under Bendtner’s name, claiming that the money would go into an eBay holding account until the merchandise was shipped. However, the money went directly into one of the fraudulent accounts.
As a result of Stratenco’s actions, individuals wired $49,300 to the fraudulent bank accounts. Of this amount, $17,500 was transferred to an individual located in the Ukraine.
The investigation into Stratenco’s scheme was led by Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of James C. Spero.
Stratenco is set to be sentenced on September 10, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
The case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance when making online transactions.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Cybercrime|White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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