Romanian Man Admits to Placing Credit Card Skimming Devices at Retailers in West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Romanian National has admitted to placing credit card skimming devices in several retailers in the Northern District of West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

Andrei Daniel Fagaras, age 36, illegally in the United States, pled guilty today to an access device fraud charge. According to the plea agreement, Fagaras worked with another defendant, Madalin Olar, to place a credit card skimming device at a self-checkout register in a Clarksburg, WV grocery store. The device was intended to collect credit card and debit card numbers which would in turn would allow fraudsters access to those credit cards and bank accounts. Fagaras was responsible for placing other skimming devices at nine locations across West Virginia. The estimated amount of intended fraud totals approximately $250,000.

Olar, a Romanian National, age 31, is facing six access device charges related to this case. His case is pending.

Fagaras faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Clarksburg Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.