Six members of a criminal network responsible for stealing £700,000 from cash machines across the UK have been jailed. Between February and December 2024, the Romania-based gang operated out of Luton, using highly sophisticated devices designed to bypass ATM security systems, investigators said.
The group carried out late-night raids at 51 locations nationwide, completing more than 3,300 fraudulent withdrawals. According to Det Insp Dan Barker of the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), the gang operated with the belief that they were “above the law both here in the UK and in Romania.”
Once reports of suspicious activity surfaced, ERSOU launched a full investigation that ultimately exposed and dismantled the operation. Initial arrests occurred in December 2024, including suspects detained at Luton Airport as they attempted to flee the country, as well as individuals arrested during coordinated raids in Luton and Norfolk.
During the raids, officers seized chipboards programmed to defeat cashpoint security systems and even recovered a cash machine imported from China. Investigators also discovered signs that the group was developing new technology to further their criminal activity.
In July, ERSOU—assisted by Romanian police, Europol and Eurojust—conducted raids across 18 addresses in Romania’s Bacau region. Two additional suspects were arrested, and police seized a Lamborghini, a Porsche and searched a fortified property marked with the gang’s “FTP” insignia carved into the gate and displayed on a swimming pool floor. The suspects were later extradited to the UK.
At Luton Crown Court, the following men were sentenced:
Constantin Boghiu, 25, of Kimpton Road, Luton — three years and three months for conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to launder money.
Alex Militaru, 25, of High Street, Watton — two years and five months for the same offenses.
Marius Chifan, 33, of St Catherines Avenue, Luton — three years and three months.
Gabriel Rosu, 33, of Flowers Way, Luton — three and a half years.
Razvan Verde, 31, no fixed abode — four years and four months for conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to launder money and possession of articles for use in fraud.
Cristian Cimpoesu, 28, no fixed abode — one year and six months for conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to launder money.
In total, nine men have been convicted in connection with the scheme. Three additional members are due for sentencing in December and January, with all facing potential deportation after serving their sentences.
Det Insp Barker praised the lengthy multinational investigation, saying: “This has been a long-running operation involving teams from across Europe, and it’s positive that these offenders will now be spending spells behind bars.”
