High-Tech Romanian ATM Gang Sentenced to Over 25 Years for £750,000 UK Heist
A sophisticated organised crime group from Romania, which utilised advanced technology to steal approximately £750,000 from cash machines across the United Kingdom, has been collectively sentenced to more than 25 years in prison. The nine men, who brazenly adopted the tagline 'F*** the police', employed customised electronic devices to bypass security systems on ATMs, executing fraudulent withdrawals on more than 3,300 separate occasions.
Coordinated Attacks and Lavish Lifestyle
Operating over an 11-month period in 2024, the gang descended upon more than 50 individual cash machines late at night, employing lookouts to provide cover during their criminal activities. While linked to numerous properties in Romania, the group established a temporary operational base in Luton, Bedfordshire, within the UK.
The shameless criminals used their illicit gains to purchase flash sports cars and flaunt their wealth. One member, Silviu Alistar, 32, even had a shortened version of their slogan—FTP—tattooed prominently on the back of his neck, demonstrating their contempt for law enforcement.
Police Investigation and International Cooperation
Law enforcement authorities, led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, initiated a complex investigation that culminated in the first arrests in December 2024. Several gang members were apprehended at Luton Airport as they attempted to flee the country.
During searches, police seized significant evidence, including intricate chipboards specifically programmed to manipulate ATM security measures. Officers also confiscated an entire cash machine purchased from China, with clear indications that the group was developing new technology for future criminal endeavours.
In a subsequent round of raids eight months ago, UK authorities collaborated closely with Romanian colleagues, who searched 18 addresses in the Bacau region. At one property, investigators discovered the slogan 'F*** the police' emblazoned across the front gate and painted on the bottom of a swimming pool. Luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini and a Porsche, were seized from this stronghold-style base.
Sentencing and Deportation
On Friday, the final members of the gang were sentenced at court. Ionut Pogar, 32, received three years and one month imprisonment after admitting conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to launder money. Silviu Alistar, 32, pleaded guilty to the same offences and was sentenced to two years and three months.
Seven other Romanian nationals had previously been sentenced to a total of nearly 24 years in jail after pleading guilty to identical charges. The convicted individuals include:
- Alex Munteanu, 38: four years and six months
- Constantin Boghiu, 25: three years and three months
- Alex Militaru, 25: two years and five months
- Marius Chifan, 34: three years and three months
- Gabriel Rosu, 33: three years and six months
- Cristian Cimpoesu, 28: 18 months
- Razvan Verde, 31: four years and four months (also admitted possession of articles for use in fraud)
All nine men are understood to face deportation proceedings upon completion of their prison terms.
Police Statement on Industrial-Scale Crime
Detective Inspector Dan Barker commented on the investigation, stating: 'This was a complex and far-reaching investigation into an organised crime group responsible for dozens of attacks on cash machines across the UK. Their offending was persistent, coordinated, and carried out on an almost industrial scale.'
He added: 'Tracking their movements, linking more than 3,000 fraudulent withdrawals, and uncovering the technology behind their offending required extensive work both here and overseas. During our investigation, officers also recovered a cash machine the offenders had purchased from China, with clear indications new technology was being developed for further offending—illustrating the lengths these criminals were prepared to go to commit crime and evade detection.'
The case highlights the evolving threat of high-tech financial crime and the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in tackling sophisticated organised criminal networks operating across borders.
