Romania Nationals Indicted on Federal Wire Fraud and Identity Theft Charges

A federal grand jury returned a sixteen count Indictment charging Romanian nationals Bogdan Alexandru Gherghevici, 26, and Viorel Cristea, 33, with federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.  

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, Gherghevici and Cristea, beginning at least as early as March 2025, and up to and including May 2025, participated in an extensive fraudulent scheme falsely claiming to do business in the Southern District of Georgia. This scheme involved selling fictitious farming equipment to Victims across the country, and resulted in a total loss of over $600,000 from the Victims.

Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank of the HSI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

“This case highlights the commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to aggressively pursue individuals who exploit others through fraudulent schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama Steven N. Schrank. “The defendants allegedly orchestrated a complex operation targeting victims nationwide, resulting in significant financial losses. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to ensure those who engage in such criminal activities are held accountable and brought to justice.”

Gherghevici and Cristea face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, and a mandatory 2 years in prison consecutive to any other potential sentence for the Aggravated Identity Theft charge. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The HSI Savannah Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Bondura for the Southern District of Georgia is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.