By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
MONTGOMERY—Two Romanian nationals have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a credit card skimming operation that targeted multiple retail locations across Alabama and Mississippi, according to a press release from Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson.
On March 26, 2026, 24-year-old Denis Adelin Ionescu was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, while 33-year-old Ioan Victor Stanciu received a 24-month sentence. Both men are from Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania, and were in the United States unlawfully at the time of the offenses. Federal officials noted that there is no parole in the federal prison system.
Court records indicate that Ionescu pleaded guilty to possession of device-making equipment, while Stanciu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
The investigation began in March 2025 after law enforcement discovered a credit card “skimming” device attached to a point-of-sale terminal at a grocery store in Ozark. Authorities later identified Ionescu and Stanciu, along with other individuals, as participants in a broader scheme.
According to officials, skimming devices are used to capture and store data from credit, debit, and Electronic Benefit Transfer cards during legitimate transactions. The stolen information can then be used to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals.
Investigators determined the operation extended beyond Ozark, with devices also placed at retail locations in Dothan, Alexander City, Eufaula, Bessemer, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, Mobile, Talladega, and Gulfport, Mississippi. In total, 23 skimming devices were installed across 12 locations.
Authorities estimated the intended financial loss from the scheme at nearly $1.8 million. Confirmed fraudulent transactions totaled $50,978.36, and the court ordered restitution in that amount.
A third individual, 24-year-old Marian Catalin Matei, also a Romanian national, previously pleaded guilty to possession of device-making equipment. Matei is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2026.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Bessemer Police Department, and the Ozark Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted the case.
