Related Federal Cases
Nicolaescu Leads Multimillion Dollar Cyber Fraud Scheme
A Romanian fugitive, Nicolae Popescu, has been charged with leading an international cybercrime syndicate that ran a multimillion dollar cyber fraud scheme, targeting primarily American consumers on U.S.-based websites such as Cars.com and AutoTrader.com.
According to court documents, Popescu, along with six other fugitives, Daniel Alexe, Dmitru Daniel Bosogioiu, Ovidiu Cristea, Dragomir Razvan, and Fabjan Meme, used forged documents and phony websites to steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers.
The indictment alleges that the defendants participated in a long-term conspiracy to saturate Internet marketplace websites with detailed advertisements for high-value items that did not actually exist.
Popescu, 38, and his co-conspirators employed co-conspirators who corresponded with the victim buyers by email, sending fraudulent certificates of title and other information designed to lure the victims into parting with their money.
Interpol has issued red notices to foreign law enforcement partners seeking assistance in the apprehension of these fugitives, and the FBI has also released “Wanted” posters to facilitate their arrests.
Nicolae Popescu, 38, of Romania, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
The charges were unsealed on March 13, 2023, in the Eastern District of New York.
Nicolaescu is currently a fugitive and his current status is unknown.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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