Romanian Duo Sentenced in Massive Card Skimming Scheme

Clear Facts

• Two Romanian nationals received federal prison sentences for a credit card skimming scheme across Alabama and Mississippi.
• Investigators said the pair installed 23 skimming devices at 12 retail locations.
• Authorities estimated the intended financial loss from stolen card data at nearly $1.8 million.

A federal judge sentenced 24-year-old Denis Adelin Ionescu to 46 months in prison and 33-year-old Ioan Victor Stanciu to 24 months for their roles in the conspiracy. They targeted grocery store point-of-sale machines to capture card data from shoppers.

The criminals used specialized electronic devices to extract information from credit, debit, and Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. Law enforcement identified the suspects after a skimmer was discovered in Ozark, Alabama.

Court records show the actual loss from fraudulent transactions reached more than $50,000. The defendants have also been ordered to pay restitution.

A third co-conspirator, also a Romanian national, is awaiting sentencing in May after pleading guilty to possessing device-making equipment. The U.S. Secret Service says it has removed hundreds of illegal skimming devices from businesses nationwide in recent years.

Federal officials emphasize that there is no parole in the federal system.

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