November 24, 2015

Romanian Citizens Charged in Skimming Scheme

PHILADELPHIA—Aura Voicu, 24, and Silviu Serban, 30, both of Bucharest, Romania, were charged today by Indictment with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, attempted bank fraud, and aiding and abetting, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

According to the indictment, between at least May 25, 2015 and mid-June 2015, the defendants engaged in a skimming scheme involving Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) belonging to various banks that the defendants targeted. The defendants allegedly installed devices on various Philadelphia bank ATMs to capture Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) used by bank customers.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 35 years in prison, a five year term of supervised release, a possible fine and a $200 special assessment.

The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linwood C. Wright, Jr.