Romanian Man Extradited for Aggravated Identity Theft Ring

Romanian Man Behind Aggravated Identity Theft Ring Extradited to Face Justice

A notorious Romanian man, Vlad Terebes, has been extradited to Puerto Rico to face the music for his alleged role in a massive aggravated identity theft ring that netted over $20,000 in funds from unsuspecting customers.

According to court documents, Terebes and his co-conspirators installed access device skimming equipment in large retail stores across Puerto Rico, including Manatí, Canóvanas, Caguas, and Carolina. Between March 8 and 13, 2022, they managed to obtain credit and debit card numbers, names, and personal identifying information of approximately 1,215 customers.

The brazen scheme, which was uncovered by the United States Secret Service, saw Terebes and his crew attempt to drain the bank accounts of their unsuspecting victims, with a total of $20,421 in funds being targeted.

Terebes was eventually apprehended in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2024, following a request from the United States. His extradition to Puerto Rico took place on May 31, 2024.

W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, vowed to prioritize the prosecution of financial crimes, stating, “Financial fraud is one of the largest challenges facing American citizens and businesses today. Prevention and prosecution of crimes of this nature will remain a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

Terebes made his initial court appearance on June 3, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López and was ordered detained. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least two years for each aggravated identity theft charge.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing Terebes’ extradition, while United Kingdom law enforcement authorities were thanked for their valuable assistance in the process. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.