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A federal court in Cincinnati sentenced a Romanian citizen on Tuesday for running an ATM-skimming scheme in the region. This case highlights the ongoing risks associated with ATM skimming fraud.
The U.S. Department of Justice says in a news release that Danut Valentin Urseiu, 32, received a prison term of 12 months and one day.
Prosecutors say he helped install skimming equipment across multiple jurisdictions. They note his actions caused losses to several financial institutions. Officials also say his sentence reflects the seriousness of organized skimming crimes, illustrating how ATM fraud can have widespread impacts.
Romanian pleads guilty in May
Urseiu pleaded guilty in May 2025 to conspiring with others to place skimming devices on ATMs. Such ATM skimming activities contribute significantly to the ongoing issue of fraud.
He targeted machines in Cincinnati, Green Township, and Liberty Township during January and February 2023. Court filings show the group installed the devices and used fraudulent access tools to steal card data.
They then used that stolen information to defraud banks. Investigators say several ATM locations were hit by this skimming fraud operation.
Evidence links the suspect to skimming devices
Investigators matched Urseiu’s fingerprints to prints found on cameras attached to the skimming equipment.
They recovered the prints from earlier arrests in New York and Michigan. Agents also found photos on his cell phones showing ATM skimmers, recording tools, and large amounts of cash. This evidence strongly ties him to the fraudulent activities.
Prosecutors say the evidence clearly tied him to the operation. The Justice Department announced the sentence after a hearing before Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott.
Urseiu and his attorneys recommended a term of one year and one day in their plea deal. The court accepted the recommendation. This sentence allows him to earn potential “good time” credit under federal rules.
Public safety is essential, says lawyer
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Cincinnati division with assistance from bank security units and local law enforcement partners. They believe tackling ATM skimming fraud is crucial for maintaining public safety.
Victim banks were not named publicly, but federal filings show the operation involved multiple ATM locations in the Southern District of Ohio.
On November 13, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Dominick S. Gerace II, announced that during the recent 43-day federal government shutdown, his office still carried out many important law-enforcement actions. These included arrests, indictments, guilty pleas, and sentencings.
Even though the federal government had a lapse in funding, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continued working on tasks that are considered essential, such as national security cases, enforcing federal laws, and protecting public safety.
Romanian to remain in federal custody
Urseiu will stay in federal custody while he awaits transfer to a federal prison. He must also forfeit certain assets under his plea deal.
A judge will later decide the restitution amount owed to the affected institutions. Fraud experts say ATM skimming still draws criminal groups because it offers high rewards with low risk. They warn that networks of machines remain vulnerable to such fraudulent activities.
Banks urge consumers to stay alert. They advise using well-lit ATMs, covering PIN entries, and checking statements for unusual activity.
Also read:
“Where Are All the Police?”: Cincinnati’s Public Safety Strategy Going Into 2026
