Romanian National Pleads Guilty to Skimming Scheme in West Virginia

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A Romanian national has admitted to involvement in a credit card skimming operation that targeted retailers across West Virginia, potentially impacting approximately $250,000 in fraudulent activity. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia announced the guilty plea of Andrei Daniel Fagaras, age 36, for an access device fraud charge. Fagaras’s admission comes as part of a larger investigation into the installation of devices designed to steal credit and debit card information from unsuspecting consumers.

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According to the plea agreement, Fagaras collaborated with another Romanian national, Madalin Olar, to place a skimming device at a self-checkout register in a Clarksburg, West Virginia grocery store. These devices are designed to illicitly capture credit and debit card numbers, which can then be used by criminals to gain unauthorized access to individuals’ bank accounts and financial resources. Fagaras is reported to have been responsible for placing similar skimming devices at a total of nine locations throughout the state. The case is part of a broader initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. Another defendant in the case, Madalin Olar, age 31, is currently facing six access device charges, and his case remains pending. Fagaras faces a maximum prison sentence of up to 15 years, with the final determination to be made by a federal district court judge considering sentencing guidelines and statutory factors. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas, with the Clarksburg Police Department leading the investigation. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the proceedings. Residents of West Virginia are reminded to remain vigilant and monitor their bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

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