Romanian ATM Skimming Ring Sentenced In Oklahoma Federal Court

Romanian ATM Skimming Ring Sentenced In Oklahoma Federal Court

Three members of a Romanian ATM skimming ring have been sentenced in Oklahoma federal court after investigators said they traveled through the Oklahoma City metro installing sophisticated devices designed to steal debit card information and personal identification numbers from unsuspecting ATM users.

Sebastian Bulacu, Florin Radu, and Valentin Cristian Alexandru were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick for their roles in a transnational bank fraud conspiracy that targeted more than 100 victims. Federal prosecutors said the group secretly installed ATM skimming devices and hidden cameras before using the stolen financial information to create cloned cards and commit fraud in Oklahoma and other states.

Romanian ATM Skimming Ring Targeted Oklahoma Victims

According to federal court records, the three defendants traveled throughout the Oklahoma City metro installing advanced ATM skimmers capable of capturing debit card track data while miniature pinhole cameras secretly recorded customers entering their PIN numbers.

Investigators determined the scheme compromised the financial information of more than 100 victims, allowing the suspects to manufacture cloned payment cards and fraudulently access bank accounts.

Following their convictions in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, Sebastian Bulacu and Florin Radu were each sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, while Valentin Cristian Alexandru received 41 months.

All three defendants were also ordered to pay $193,598 in restitution to compensate victims for financial losses linked to the fraud scheme.

United States Secret Service Investigation Led To Arrests

The investigation began after reports of ATM tampering prompted the United States Secret Service to begin tracking the suspects' movements throughout the Oklahoma City area.

Working with local law enforcement, investigators linked a rental vehicle used by the group to an Airbnb in Oklahoma City.

After obtaining a search warrant, agents recovered more than 50 miniature pinhole cameras, over 25 deep-insert ATM skimming devices, cloned debit cards, laptop computers and cash believed to be connected to the operation.

Federal investigators said the sophisticated equipment demonstrated the defendants were operating as part of an organized international fraud conspiracy designed to steal banking information from unsuspecting ATM customers.

Officials with the Federal Trade Commission continue encouraging consumers to inspect ATM card readers for unusual attachments, shield keypads while entering PIN numbers and closely monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.

Defendants Will Be Deported After Prison Terms

Following completion of their prison sentences, all three defendants will be deported from the United States.

Federal authorities say organized ATM skimming operations continue to evolve, making cooperation between federal investigators and local law enforcement increasingly important.

The successful prosecution highlights how financial crimes committed in Oklahoma often have ties to larger international organizations operating across multiple states and countries. Investigators say the evidence recovered during the Oklahoma City investigation not only helped secure convictions but also prevented additional victims from having their financial information stolen. Officials continue urging consumers to remain vigilant when using ATMs and to immediately report suspicious equipment or unauthorized bank transactions to both their financial institution and law enforcement.

🔴 MORE RADIO NEWS