SADDLE RIVER, N.J. (Bergen County) — Two men have been arrested following a months-long investigation into an alleged debit card skimming operation targeting ATMs throughout North Jersey, according to Saddle River Police Chief Edward J. Riedel.
Eugene Padure and Iulian Brinzan, both of Romania, were taken into custody after investigators tracked them to Saddle River, police said.
The investigation began after a skimming device was discovered on a local ATM. Investigators allege those involved in the operation installed and later removed electronic skimming devices from ATMs to capture customers’ debit card information.
Police believe the stolen account information was then used to create fraudulent payment cards in victims’ names.
Officers from the Saddle River Police Department, Madison Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office worked together to identify and locate people believed to be involved in the operation.
Following the arrests, authorities executed search warrants and recovered additional evidence allegedly connected to the operation, including card-making equipment and additional skimming devices, police said.
Brinzan was charged with criminal use of a scanning device and theft.
Padure was charged with conspiracy to commit theft, criminal use of a scanning device and possession of a scanning device or reencoder with intent to commit an offense.
The investigation involved assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Madison Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in Florida and New York City Police Department.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
The Saddle River Police Department is reminding people using ATMs to inspect card readers and keypads for anything unusual, cover the keypad when entering a PIN and consider using contactless features when available. Police also recommend regularly reviewing bank accounts and immediately reporting unauthorized transactions.
