Media Contact: Sgt. Hauptmann
Office: 818-937-8888
Cell: 818-299-1565
Email: GPDPIO@Glendaleca.gov

Three Arrested in Possession of Re-Encoded Access Cards and Skimming Devices

On October 6, 2021, a detective assigned to the Glendale Police Department Financial Crimes Bureau was conducting surveillance near the intersection of San Fernando Rd. and Cerritos Ave. The Detective observed two males whose actions were consistent with installing ATM skimming devices. The two males were stopped a short distance away by a patrol sergeant and officer for traffic violations.

The two males were identified as 21-year-old Marius Vlaic and 32-year-old Andrei Boariu, both of Romania. They were found to be in possession of re-encoded gift cards, a suspected fraudulent foreign identification card, and a large sum of cash. A subsequent search of their vehicle produced additional re-encoded gift cards, an ATM skimming device, a fabricated hidden camera, and hotel key cards.

Further investigation found that Vlaic and Boariu had key cards assigned to two rooms at a local hotel. While conducting surveillance at the hotel, a male was seen exiting one of the rooms associated with Vlaic and Boariu. The male, identified as 21-year-old Cosmin Pop of Romania, was contacted by and found to be in possession suspected fraudulent passports, re-encoded gift cards, several bags, and a large suitcase. It was later discovered that the suitcase contained dozens of re-encoded access cards, additional skimming devices, and all of the equipment needed to manufacture skimming devices and hidden cameras.

Vlaic, Boariu, and Pop were all arrested for identity theft related charges.