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Romanian National Sentenced in Multi-State ATM Card Skimming Scheme
BOSTON – In a brazen scheme that targeted banks across multiple states, Romanian national Bogdan Viorel Rusu, 38, has been sentenced in connection with a multi-state ATM card skimming operation.
Rusu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million for the bank fraud and bank fraud conspiracy charges. He also faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss and restitution for the aggravated identity theft charge.
Rusu was arrested on November 14, 2016, and initially charged by complaint in the District of New Jersey. He has been in custody since his arrest. The scheme targeted banks in Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey, resulting in $364,419 stolen in Massachusetts and $75,715 in New York, totaling $440,134 from 531 individual accounts. In New Jersey, another $428,581 was stolen.
According to court documents, Rusu and his co-conspirators installed electronic devices, known as skimming devices, on the banks’ card-readers at the vestibule door, ATM machine, or both. They also installed pinhole cameras and keypad overlays to record customers’ bank account information and personal identification numbers. The stolen information was then used to create counterfeit payment cards, which were used to withdraw cash from the victims’ accounts.
U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski, and local law enforcement officials announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey prosecuted the case.
Rusu is expected to be sentenced on December 11, 2018. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our financial information and being vigilant when using ATMs and other payment systems.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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