Romanian Crime Syndicate Suspect Arrested for ATM Skimming in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, LA – Pascu Eduard, 34, has been arrested in Maryland in connection with a series of financial crimes linked to an elaborate bank fraud scheme involving card skimming, authorities announced this week. Eduard is alleged to be part of a transnational crime syndicate based in Romania, suspected of orchestrating multiple skimming operations across various locations, including Baton Rouge.
Details of the Crime
Eduard had been wanted since May 2023, when the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant after he was captured on surveillance cameras allegedly installing a card skimming device on an ATM at Neighbors Federal Credit Union. These skimming devices mimic the appearance of legitimate ATM components, surreptitiously gathering card details and PIN codes from unsuspecting users.
In a coordinated effort with two accomplices, Iulian Zlataru, 36, and Ana Marie Dote, 40, Eduard allegedly set up the device on May 11, 2023. After removing it five days later, the trio reportedly conducted several transactions, siphoning off a total of $2,257.90 from multiple ATMs.
However, the impact extended far beyond their immediate financial gains; 346 customers had their card information compromised in the incursion.
Collaborative Investigation
Federal agents have linked Eduard and his accomplices to a broader Romanian crime syndicate operating in Southern California. After reviewing the security footage, investigators identified the suspects and pieced together the network of fraud.
Zlataru and Dote were arrested months later, with Zlataru caught in Missouri while attempting to construct additional skimmers. He has since pleaded guilty to multiple charges, receiving a two-year state prison sentence, which was commuted through deportation to Romania. Dote was similarly processed and sent back after serving time.
Continued Efforts and Legal Proceedings
Eduard’s arrest in Baltimore marks a significant development in this ongoing investigation. While details about his citizenship status remain unclear, he waived extradition and was transported back to East Baton Rouge Parish, where he now faces grave charges, including identity theft, bank fraud, and access device fraud.
Additionally, another suspect, Ionut Fluerasu, 49, is also implicated in a related incident that defrauded over 90 accounts to withdraw more than $84,000 before his deportation in February 2024.
As the case unfolds, law enforcement continues to focus on not only prosecuting these criminals but also securing protections for consumers vulnerable to such schemes.
This complex case exposes the pervasive issue of cybercrime and the lengths to which criminal organizations will go to manipulate the banking system, prompting heightened vigilance among financial institutions and law enforcement agencies alike.
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