CLAREMONT, NH – A Romanian man living illegally in the United States has confessed to a brazen scheme to steal over $30,000 from unsuspecting bank customers in New Hampshire. Stefan Catalin Bereanda, 45, pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges of bank fraud and identity theft, admitting his role in a sophisticated ATM skimming operation.
The scheme, carried out with accomplice Adrian Redenciuc, involved the installation of skimming devices and miniature hidden cameras on several ATMs in Claremont, New Hampshire, in November 2019. Surveillance footage captured Redenciuc meticulously planting the devices, designed to capture both account information and PIN numbers as customers conducted transactions.
Over the following days, Bereanda and Redenciuc systematically visited ATM locations, using the stolen data to make unauthorized withdrawals. They drained accounts of innocent customers, netting a total exceeding $30,000. The operation was discovered when bank security flagged the suspicious activity, triggering an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Claremont Police Department.
“Identity theft and bank fraud offenses are significant crimes that cause serious financial and emotional harm to victims,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley. “This defendant’s scheme used skimming devices and hidden cameras to steal information from innocent bank customers. Thanks to the work of the Secret Service, this disturbing criminal scheme was stopped and this defendant has been held accountable for his unlawful conduct.”
Bereanda, who was unlawfully present in the U.S. at the time of the crimes, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2022. His co-conspirator, Adrian Redenciuc, remains at large and is currently being sought by law enforcement. The Secret Service continues to urge the public to remain vigilant when using ATMs and to report any suspicious devices or activity immediately.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case. The investigation highlights the growing threat of international criminal networks exploiting vulnerabilities in the U.S. financial system and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat these crimes.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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