Romanian National Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft

PITCAIRN ISLANDS - A Romanian national, Ciprian Costel Borcea, 46, has been sentenced to four years in prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Scheme Involves Skimming Devices and Pinhole Cameras

According to court documents, Borcea’s scheme involved installing skimming devices and pinhole cameras on automated teller machines (ATMs) in March and April 2023. These devices captured customer credit card information, which was then used to create fake cards and withdraw cash from victim accounts.

Criminal Activities Caught on Camera

Borcea’s criminal activities were caught on camera, showing him installing the devices, retrieving them, and using the counterfeit cards to steal money from customers’ accounts. He was eventually apprehended in Cleveland, Ohio, after attempting to install a new skimming device at an ATM.

U.S. Secret Service Leads Investigation

The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation, which uncovered a wealth of evidence linking Borcea to the fraud scheme. The agency worked closely with prosecutors to build a strong case against him.

Sentence and Reaction from Authorities

“This sentence should serve as a warning to would-be identity thieves and bank fraudsters that they will be caught and held accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan, who commended the Secret Service for its work on the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Key Facts:

• Borcea stole account information from over 700 customers of a local financial institution
• The scheme caused losses exceeding $450,000
• Borcea was convicted of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft
• He was sentenced to four years in prison