Title: Romanian Man Sentenced for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft in Connection with ATM Skimming Scheme

Overview

• A man from Bacau, Romania, was sentenced for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
• The sentence was handed down in US District Court.
• Ciprian Costel Borcea, 46, was found guilty of installing skimming devices on ATMs in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Details of the Crime

• Borcea installed skimming devices on ATMs in the Pittsburgh area between March and April 2023.
• He also installed pinhole cameras to record PINs.
• The stolen data and PINs were used to create counterfeit ATM cards.
• The losses amounted to over $450,000 and involved over 700 customers.

Arrest and Evidence

• Borcea traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, and installed a skimming device on an ATM on May 2, 2023.
• The US Secret Service’s Cleveland Field Office set up surveillance and observed the installation.
• Borcea was arrested and found in possession of the skimming device, counterfeit ATM cards, and other related evidence.

Sentencing

• Borcea was sentenced to four years in prison by District Judge Robert J. Colville.
• Assistant US Attorney Brendan T. Conway represented the government during the trial.
• United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan expressed gratitude to the US Secret Service for their investigation.

Identity Theft and Financial Fraud

• Identity theft and financial fraud continue to present significant threats to citizens.
• Stay informed by regularly monitoring financial account activity.
• Take steps to safeguard personal information.