Romanian Skimmer Balan Faces Life in ATM Fraud Ring

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Daniel Balan, a 46-year-old Romanian national from Bacau, is facing a federal prison term that could exceed three decades after being charged with orchestrating an ATM ‘skimming’ conspiracy. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, John P. Heekin, has announced the charges against Balan, who stands accused of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, five counts of bank fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of possessing fifteen or more access devices.

Balan’s trial is set for August 18, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., before United States District Court Judge Mark Walker. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to thirty years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy and bank fraud charges, two years’ imprisonment for each of the aggravated identity theft counts, and ten years for the access device count.

The investigation into Balan’s alleged crimes is a joint effort by Homeland Security Investigations, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and Eric W. Welch are leading the prosecution.

Despite an indictment being merely an allegation of a federal crime, Balan is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide DOJ initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.

The Northern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office is one of 94 principal litigators serving under the direction of the Attorney General. For public court documents and more information about the office, visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.