TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Daniel Balan, 46, has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges after being caught running an ATM skimming operation in Tallahassee, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
Court records show that Balan installed skimming devices and hidden cameras on several ATMs in the area, capturing customers’ account data. He then used that stolen information to withdraw approximately $56,340 fraudulently.
At the time of his arrest, Balan was in possession of 28 gift cards encoded with the stolen account details.
Balan admitted guilt to five counts of bank fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices.
Each count of bank fraud carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and five years of supervised release, while the access device charge could add another 10 years. The aggravated identity theft charges require an additional two years per count, served consecutively, along with one year of supervised release for each.
Balan’s sentencing will be determined at a later date.
