Two Romanian nationals, Andrei Fagaras and Tamas Kolozsvari, have been indicted on charges of access device fraud. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney Duane A. Evans in New Orleans, Louisiana. The two men are accused of possessing credit and debit card skimmers at three locations within the Eastern District of Louisiana on November 13 and 14, 2024.
The charges fall under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(4). If convicted, Fagaras and Kolozsvari could face up to fifteen years in prison for each count. Additionally, they may receive up to three years of supervised release and fines reaching $250,000 per count. There is also a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each charge.
U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and that guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation involved several agencies: Special Agents from the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office; and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Christine M. Calogero from the General Crimes Unit is overseeing the prosecution.