DOTHAN, Ala. — Two Romanian nationals have been sentenced to federal prison for running a credit card skimming scam across Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.
Adelin Ionescu, 24, received a 46-month sentence, while Ioan Victor Stanciu, 33, was sentenced to 24 months. Both men were in the United States unlawfully, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
A skimmer device captures credit, debit, or EBT card information when cards are swiped or inserted into card readers. Criminals can then use this information for unauthorized purchases or withdrawals.
Ionescu pleaded guilty to possessing equipment to make skimmer devices, while Stanciu admitted to conspiracy to commit access device fraud. Another co-conspirator, Marian Catalin Matei, 24, is scheduled for sentencing on May 21, 2026.
The DOJ began investigating the scam after a skimmer was discovered in a grocery store in Ozark, Alabama, in March 2025. Authorities later traced other devices to locations in Dothan, Eufaula, Mobile, and stores in Mississippi and Florida.
The scheme allowed the men to steal nearly $60,000, which the court has ordered them to repay as restitution.
