Two Romanian nationals, Adrian Vasile Marin and Sorin Postolache, were sentenced on May 27 to three years and three months in prison for their roles in a conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing took place in Alexandria, Virginia, following their involvement in a sophisticated card skimming operation.
From November 29, 2024, to November 19, 2025, Marin, 36, Postolache, 37, and their co-conspirators deployed "skimmer" devices at point-of-sale terminals and ATMs. These devices captured credit and debit card information and personal identification numbers from unsuspecting victims. The stolen data was then used to create counterfeit cards for fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts.
The conspirators utilized fake passports and identity cards to rent mailboxes, receiving equipment, often from overseas, to construct the skimmers. Investigations uncovered a significant cache at their home and storage unit, including numerous assembled and partially assembled skimmers, pinhole cameras, ATM and point-of-sale terminal parts, and store logo stickers. Authorities also seized $100,377 in cash and 2,881 stolen card numbers, alongside various electronic devices storing sensitive financial information.
The U.S. Secret Service’s Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI Washington Field Office, and the New York City Police Department investigated the case.