Romanians Used Skimmers At Postal Centers To Steal Customers' Bank Info

PITTSBURGH - Two Romanians residing in Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Florin Popescu, 31, and Ion Carligeriu, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the defendants conspired to produce ATM skimming equipment which they installed on APC kiosks at Postal Centers on McKnight Road and in Squirrel Hill, which were designed to steal customers’ bank account information.

Judge Hornak scheduled Florin Popescu’s sentencing for July 17, 2014, at 11 a.m., and Ion Carligeriu’s sentencing for July 17, 2014, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of these defendants.