PENSACOLA, Fla. (WDNews) – Zamfir Nitu, 48, and Irinel Irimia, 42, both of Romania, were sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal bank card numbers, and possession of bank card numbers.
Both defendants were ordered to serve a term of 1-year supervised release after completing their prison sentence and will face deportation.
Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences.
“These cases demonstrate the success of cooperative investigations by federal and local agencies working to identify and arrest those attempting to profit from fraud and theft,’” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The protection of our citizens’ financial information is paramount, and with the help of our law enforcement partners, we will hold criminals accountable, no matter their national origin.”
In April of 2023, the Eglin Federal Credit Union discovered that Nitu and Irimia had installed skimming devices at two of its ATMs and skimmed several hundred bank card numbers.
Nitu and Irimia then used the skimmed numbers to create fake bank cards and withdraw money from multiple ATMs in the area. They successfully obtained approximately $17,000 and were denied on attempts to withdraw another $35,000.
“This case underscores the importance of investigators from both local and federal law enforcement agencies working together to protect the financial well-being of our good, hardworking citizens,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute fraudulent activity compromising victims’ financial safety and security.”
“Crimes that steal people’s identities and threaten to destabilize their financial security and wellbeing of unsuspecting victims will not be tolerated,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Alongside every state and local law enforcement partner, HSI vows to investigate criminals who pick the digital pockets of U.S. citizens by hiding behind the virtual anonymity of the internet.”
This case was gathered by a group effort of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Eglin Federal Credit Union’s Fraud Investigation Division also provided evidence necessary for the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore prosecuted the case.
