Police: Romanian Bank Robbers Used A Hidden Card Reader To Steal $90,000 From Garden City ATM
Organized Ring Exploits ATMs Across the U.S., Draining Bank Accounts
In a startling revelation, a network of Romanian individuals has been exposed for orchestrating fraudulent bank withdrawals in the United States. The accused, including Torsten Torz, now under the legal spotlight, allegedly employed discreetly installed card readers at ATMs to carry out their illicit activities.
Garden City Arrest Unveils Massive Scheme:
The People of New York State have initiated legal action against Torsten Torz, a Romanian national accused of illegally withdrawing $90,000 from Bank of America customer accounts in Garden City, Long Island. Garden City Police apprehended Torz red-handed at the bank, where he was reportedly preparing for another unauthorized withdrawal.
Collaborative Criminal Effort:
Investigators believe Torz collaborated with another Romanian individual, Ionut Daniel Bilea, who was arrested three days prior. Bilea, with a history of federal offenses related to Bank of America ATMs in California, was known internationally for ATM skimming, having been convicted in New Zealand in 2016.
Together, Torz and Bilea targeted the Bank of America ATM on 7th Street in Garden City, installing illicit card skimmers. Law enforcement alleges that the duo discreetly harvested PIN passwords and debit card details from at least 14 unsuspecting customers over multiple visits.
Delayed Action Raises Concerns:
Authorities took an unusually long time to halt the duo’s operations, leaving customers unaware of falling victim to the scam. Bilea, who was arrested on December 16, was granted a $10,000 bail due to limited income but remains in custody.
Torz, despite successfully withdrawing $90,000, audaciously returned to the bank on December 19, where Garden City Police were waiting for him.
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Legal Proceedings and Future Court Dates:
Torz appeared in court on December 20, facing C and D Felony charges for crimes committed on August 30, November 2, November 9, and December 19. Judge Madeleine Petrara-Perrin granted Torz release with an electronic monitor and ordered him to surrender his passport. His court date is scheduled for January 4, 2024, at the Mineola Criminal Court Felony Screening.
Meanwhile, Ionut Daniel Bilea, Torz’s alleged accomplice, remains incarcerated, with no Romanian associates coming forward to post bail.
Ongoing ATM Security Risks:
The arrests shed light on the persisting security risks posed by ATMs across the United States, prompting concerns about the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard customers from organized skimming operations.
