Romanian citizen Vlad Terebes has been extradited to Puerto Rico to face multiple charges related to identity theft and bank fraud. He was indicted on September 21, 2023, for installing card skimming devices at various retail stores in Puerto Rico. These devices allowed Terebes and his co-conspirators to steal credit and debit card information from over 1,200 unsuspecting customers, attempting to withdraw approximately $20,421 from their bank accounts.
The card skimming operation took place in March 2022 and involved placing illicit equipment at stores in Manatí, Canóvanas, Caguas, and Carolina. The group also targeted Walmart stores and subsequently fled the island. Terebes was identified by the U.S. Secret Service and was arrested in the UK on February 2, 2024, before being extradited to Puerto Rico.
In federal court, Terebes faced charges including conspiracy to commit identity theft, aggravated identity theft, and bank fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, plus additional mandatory sentences for each aggravated identity theft charge. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Card skimming is a significant issue, costing financial institutions and consumers over $1 billion annually. In 2023, there was a notable increase in compromised cards due to skimming, with the total number of compromised debit cards up 96% from 2022. Despite the rise in skimming activities, law enforcement has intensified efforts to combat these crimes, as evidenced by recent arrests and prosecutions.
