Providence Reporter

PROVIDENCE, RI – Four of six foreign nationals charged in federal court for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to install skimming devices on bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and retail store checkout units across at least six states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, are scheduled to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Rhode Island on Tuesday. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

Charging documents allege that the conspiracy involved placing skimming devices on ATMs and retail store terminals in various locations, including Bristol and Westerly, RI, and Avon, Raynham, Seekonk, and Walpole, MA. These devices capture account information and PIN numbers when customers use their cards. The stolen data was allegedly used to create counterfeit cards for fraudulent withdrawals and purchases.

It is alleged that the conspiracy resulted in over $300,000 being withdrawn from victims' bank accounts locally, along with an unspecified number of fraudulent retail purchases.

"The scale, scope, and brazen nature of these defendants’ scheme to steal the financial account information of unsuspecting consumers... is staggering," stated U.S. Attorney Cunha. He commended Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and local law enforcement for their work in disrupting the scheme.

HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol added, "The complaint alleges these six individuals are members of an organization who defrauded thousands... The ATM and point of sale skimming equipment they used worked quickly and efficiently to steal credit card information."

Armando Ion Codreanu, 23, Isabela Ignat Codreanu, 23, Robby Vicson Codreanu, 20, all from Placentia, CA; Mila Ciuciu, 20; Nicolas Longin Codreanu; and Ionut Zamfir have been charged with various fraud-related offenses. An arrest warrant has been issued for Zamfir.

The investigation began when the Bristol Police Department found skimming devices on ATMs at a local bank branch. Subsequent investigations by HSI linked the suspects to similar activities across multiple states.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations alongside several local police departments and other federal agencies.