Romanian Alien Trio Collectively Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for ATM "Skimming" Scheme

OKLAHOMA CITY – SEBASTIAN BULACU , 37, FLORIN RADU , 42, and VALENTIN CRISTIAN ALEXANDRU , 36, Romanian nationals found in Oklahoma City, have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, in January 2025, Bulacu, Radu, and Alexandru traveled throughout the Oklahoma City metro area installing "skimming" devices on ATMs. These devices are designed to capture debit card information and record customers’ personal identification numbers (PINs), allowing the defendants to access victims’ bank accounts and steal funds. Through the scheme, the defendants caused an estimated $193,598 in losses across the country, including in Oklahoma, to unsuspecting victims. On September 2, 2025, a federal grand jury charged the defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Earlier this year, Bulacu, Radu, and Alexandru each pleaded guilty and admitted conspiring to obtain money through bank fraud. At sentencing hearings this week, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Bulacu and Radu to serve 51 months each in federal prison and Alexandru to serve 41 months in federal prison, and ordered each defendant to pay $193,598 in restitution. In announcing the sentences, the Court noted the seriousness of the offense and the amount of money stolen from victims across the country. Upon completion of their sentences, the defendants will be deported. This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Krista L. Hodges-Eckhoff prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.