Roanoke ATM Skimmer Puscasu Gets 18 More Months

ROANOKE, VA – Another nail in the coffin for this guy. Catalin Puscasu, 40, a foot soldier in a Romanian criminal enterprise, just got hit with an additional 18 months in federal prison, bringing his total sentence to a hefty 54 months. The sentence stems from a sophisticated ATM skimming operation that bled banks and customers dry across the Western District of Virginia.

Puscasu pleaded guilty back in September 2022 to a trifecta of charges: conspiracy to commit bank fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Court documents paint a picture of a calculated scheme, operating between December 2018 and March 2019. Puscasu and his crew weren’t just grabbing cash; they were systematically stealing identities, hoovering up debit and credit card numbers alongside the all-important PINs of unsuspecting bank customers.

The method was classic, but effective: skimming devices. These weren’t bulky, obvious add-ons. We’re talking about tiny, expertly concealed cameras and card readers installed directly on ATMs at federally-insured banks throughout the Roanoke area. The stolen data was then re-encoded onto blank cards, effectively cloning the victims’ accounts and allowing the crew to drain funds at will. This wasn’t some smash-and-grab; it was a cold, calculated digital heist.

This isn’t Puscasu’s first rodeo with the long arm of the law. Back in March 2019, he was already busted in Michigan for pulling off the same scam. He served 36 months in the Eastern District of Michigan before being shipped back to Virginia to face justice for his crimes here. Apparently, a few years behind bars didn’t teach him a lesson. The feds don’t mess around with this kind of thing, especially when it’s a coordinated, international operation.

Beyond the prison time, Puscasu has been ordered to pay restitution to the banks he victimized. While that won’t fully undo the damage, it’s a start. U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh announced the sentencing, a clear message that federal authorities are cracking down on these types of schemes. The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the U.S. Secret Service, plus a whole slew of local law enforcement agencies including the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, Roanoke County Police Department, and many more.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Coleman Adams skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Puscasu faced the consequences for his actions. This case serves as a stark reminder: those seemingly convenient ATMs are potential hotspots for criminal activity. Stay vigilant, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and report any suspicious devices to bank personnel and authorities. This isn’t just about money; it’s about protecting your identity and financial future.