Romanian skimmer gang admit conspiracy

(CNS): Two men, who were visiting Cayman from Romania and accused of using cloned credit cards to steal money from local high street banks last year, have admitted conspiracy to defraud and money laundering charges in relation to the theft of around US$100,000 but have denied stealing the money. A third man admitted conspiracy but also denied stealing any cash or money laundering, while the only woman in the group charged with similar offences denied all of the allegations her.

In a lengthy arraignment on Friday morning, nine counts relating to the gang’s alleged involvement in credit card skimming and obtaining cash illegally from local banks was read out through the help of an interpreter. The gang is believed to have been involved with others who have not been identified in using cloned credit cards to obtain cash from banks during a seven-day period between the 10 and 17 December 2014 in George Town, when they were here as visitors.

The crown accepted guilty pleas made by Roland Pop and Ianaca Vlismas to conspiracy and money laundering and they are now expected to be sentenced on 31 March.

Florin Roata, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy but denied theft and money laundering charges, protested his innocence and that of his girlfriend, Mariana Oprnoiu, during the arraignment, insisting she had nothing to do with any of it.

Oprinoiu has denied conspiracy, theft and money laundering charges and as a result she will stand trial later this year. The crown has not yet confirmed whether or not Roata will stand trial in connection with the three counts of theft and a charge of money laundering, all of which he has denied, as a result of his admission to the conspiracy charges.

All four were remanded in custody.