A brazen Romanian organised crime group that taunted police with its 'F*** the Police' branding, even emblazoning the slogan on a swimming pool at its fortress-style lair, has been brought to justice. Six members have been sentenced to prison for a sophisticated ATM fraud operation that netted them approximately £700,000.
The Sophisticated Cashpoint Scam
The criminal network, which was based in Luton, Bedfordshire, executed a staggering 3,300 separate fraudulent transactions across the country. Their method involved using sophisticated, custom-programmed devices to bypass cashpoint security systems. While one member carried out the illegal withdrawals, lookouts were deployed to provide cover.
The illicit activity took place between February and December of last year, with the gang primarily targeting ATMs during late-night raids. The investigation was spearheaded by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), which began making arrests after receiving reports of fraudulent activity.
International Raids and Lavish Lifestyles
As the UK investigation progressed, cooperation with international agencies Europol and Eurojust led to coordinated raids in the Bacau region of Romania. It was there that the full extent of the gang's arrogance was uncovered. At one property, the 'F*** the Police' moniker was boldly displayed on the bottom of an outdoor swimming pool and on the front gate.
The raids also revealed a lifestyle funded by crime. Authorities seized high-powered vehicles, including a Lamborghini and a Porsche. A parallel investigation by Romanian police had already been launched due to concerns about the gang members' conspicuously lavish spending.
Further evidence gathered from the group included specially programmed chipboards designed to defeat cashpoint security. Officers even confiscated an ATM machine purchased from China, indicating the gang was developing new technology for future offences.
Sentencing and Consequences
During two hearings at Luton Crown Court this month, the six criminals admitted to conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to launder money. They were jailed for a combined total of more than 18 years.
The sentenced individuals are:
- Razvan Verde, 31: Considered a leader, he received four years and four months for recruiting members and direct involvement in nearly £300,000 of fraud.
- Gabriel Rosu, 33: Jailed for three-and-a-half years for his key role in planning and organisation.
- Constantin Boghiu, 25: Received three years and three months for making 35 trips to target cashpoints, involved in £130,000 of fraud.
- Marius Chifan, 33: Jailed for three years for opening accounts, providing bank cards, and planning.
- Alexandru Militaru, 25: Sentenced to two years and five months for fraudulent activity totalling almost £100,000.
- Christian Cimpoesu, 28: Was already jailed for a year-and-a-half in October for his role in ten ATM incidents.
Three additional gang members are awaiting sentencing next month and in January. All convicted individuals face deportation after serving their prison terms.
Detective Inspector Dan Barker of ERSOU commented on the case, stating: ‘There’s no doubt that this group thought they were above the law both here in the UK and in Romania. Their disregard for law enforcement was blatant but they clearly underestimated the police.’
He added that the gang used highly sophisticated technology and that the investigation has since helped cashpoint providers bolster their security against this new threat.
