Romanian gang ‘taped ATM users to steal cash’

A ROMANIAN gang used miniature video equipment to record people at ATM machines before stealing cash from their accounts, a court was told over the weekend.

Gardaí, who smashed the sophisticated scam after an extensive surveillance operation, said at least 12 accounts belonging to people in the south east have been raided.

They arrested three illegal Romanian immigrants and are hunting for a fourth man.The three appeared before a special sitting of Dungarvan District Court on Saturday night.

Judge James McNulty heard the scam involved the use of a laptop computer with a miniature CCTV system linked to it.

Inspector Tom O’Grady told the court that the closed circuit television system was capable of picking up the numbers of account holders as they used the ATMs. This, he said, enabled the gang to fraudulently enter the accounts and withdraw money from them.

“Up to 12 such accounts have already been entered and varying sums of money withdrawn from them,” Inspector O’Grady told the court.

“Their operation was also capable of forging passports, but through our carefully planned garda surveillance the gang were caught red handed and in the act, and three of the four were speedily arrested.”

The three before the court were 29-year-old Nicoara Covaci, Nicolai Dragam Teodar, 27, and 23-year-old Ian Poleac all of no fixed abode. The court heard that they have been in the country as illegal aliens for periods ranging from four days to two weeks.

All three, who had the assistance of an interpreter, are charged with having a Sony laptop computer in their possession at TF Meagher Street, Dungarvan, on November 27th without lawful excuse, and also having cloning equipment adapted for use in connection with the commission of crime.

They are further charged with dishonestly operating or causing to operate a computer with the intention of making gain and causing loss to others, and with failing to produce a valid passport or temporary residence certificate to establish their nationality.

They were granted free legal aid, and Niall King solicitor made a formal application for bail having indicated that his clients had come to Ireland to find work in the construction industry.

This was vigorously opposed by Inspector O’Grady who said he did not believe they would remain in the jurisdiction if released from custody. He also urged the court to take cognisance of the fact that the accused are of no fixed abode and are illegally in the country.

Judge McNulty refused the bail application. The accused were remanded to Cork prison to appear again before a sitting of Youghal District Court next Friday.